Americans in Focus: Maurice Ashley

Maurice Ashley has been called the Tiger Woods of Chess. He made history when he became the first and only African-American to attain the coveted title of International Grand Master of Chess in 1999.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Black
• History
• Chess
• Honor
• Pride
• Diversity
• Dreams

[marcdaddy33]

Yes, THANK YOU MAURICE.

he is a role model for brothers like myself who actually enjoys playing chess, instead of trying to be a rapper.

[chessdrummer]

Highly likely.

[DjKlacs]

@luckystrke Are you joking? 1. Weak grandmaster is an oxymoron. 2. There are many grandmasters that are local that don't have the same international status as Maurice. 3. Why the hate?

[pineapplepeanuts]

Not only is he a great player, but a great teacher too. Many great players have the personality of an orange or are high on themselves, but he seems pretty grounded and open. Would like to apprentice with him.

[mrellis419]

@luckystrke at least he achieved his goals of becoming a grandmaster, you should try showing some support instead of looking at the negative, that's the problem with our world to day. I am sure if you achieved a very important goal in your life he would congratulate you instead of putting you down.

[fmcneillii]

@marcdaddy33 That's good you enjoy playing chess. But as a rapper there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a rapper.

[luckystrke]

He is one of the weakest Grand Master out there, and he hasn't played a rated game since 2003.

[PhilomathBret]

@mozart20dlubos No, but he's the best African American at chess, just like Tiger Woods is the best African American golfer.

[honeychild66]

@honeychild66  correction : 1999.

[honeychild66]

@PhilomathBret the reason it's stated " the first and only" is because the writer is letting the reader know since they posted that he is the first and the only because no other african american before maurice ashley has grandmaster status and no other african american has achieved grandmaster status after maurice ashley achieved it in 1990. That's all they trying to say, nitwit.

[bnjaday]

@TheJomogogo Well, that's a consciousness problem surrounding African Americans. Because of their history they're not as sure they can succeed, so when they do it's a big deal

[Brotherman7]

I like to crush all haters, and make you throw their pieces down the incinerator. Why is the best chess now played on blitz tables in NYC? I don't know why the best baseball players come from DR. That's just the way it is. Come uptown this summer and get crushed over the board, with the tactics, fish burger!