HHCF founder Adisa Banjoko was featured on a fantastic entertainment blog:

From blending hip hop and chess in efforts to inspire teens, to sharing the experiences of one African American child navigating the Public Education system in this country, award winning author and lecturer, Adisa Banjoko’s story is truly an American Dream.  Prepare to be inspired.

So you were recently named the West Coast editor of NewsOne.com.  How did that come about?

I’m gonna tell you its all about being lucky (laughs).  Really the truth is my background in journalism is kind of lengthy.  I was actually one of the first journalists for The Source way back when it really mattered.  And a lot of these other hip hop publications.  And luckily one of the main directors at News One is someone who has been a friend and mentor of mine for a long time.  His name is Dan Charnas, author of “The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip Hop,” about the business of hip hop.  And he and I have been friends for some time.  We have been soldiers in the same game of journalism for a while and he needed someone on the west coast to do some things and he asked me.  He said, “Hey I think this is right up your alley.  And I didn’t hesitate.

I know that’s right.  So where were you educated?

That’s what I like to call a “beautiful tragedy.”  I actually dropped out of high school in 1988, and I got my GED in 1989.  And outside of my paralegal certificate I have never really been to college.  I took a few courses at Lane College and a few others at a junior college in the area.

I am a completely autodidactic student.  I read the autobiography of Malcolm X while I was studying for my GED and it completely changed my perspective on the importance of an education.  And from that point forward I became addicted to reading.  I read like it was my job.  I would get up, have breakfast and read and then have lunch and read some more.  And so because of that I have had the privilege over the years, of lecturing at Harvard, Brown, UC Berkley, UCLA, Dickenson in Pennsylvania.  That was one of my favorite talks.  I have been very lucky.  I don’t take my blessings lightly.

What did you read?

Mainly I was reading theology and philosophy, Plato, Socrates, Ta Ho Tep, Bhuddism, Confuscius, Daoism, things like that.  And then I read a lot of the scholars of that time.  So from like 1989 – 1995 I was really dedicated.  I was reading John Henrik Clark, Dr. Ben, Ivan Van Sertima, Runoko Rhashidi extensively.  “Notes for an African World Revolution” and books like that which were incredibly detailed and accurately so about the history of black people and their travels and tragedies through out the world and their triumphs.

Peter Jennings, my favorite news man ever, was the same.  No college and a high school diploma but self taught.   

I didn’t know that.  I also read a ton of Marcus Garvey.  I took myself to a lot of Universities and hang out there and do my reading.  Because I had this low self-esteem issue because I had dropped out.  So I didn’t believe I was college material.  And so to this day, I’ll be at like a Public Enemy concert and someone will come up and introduce me as alumni to their friends.  They will think that I graduated from San Francisco State or UC Berkley, when I haven’t really graduated.

I love your story.  It illustrates further the fact that we are living in the information age.  A time when you can log onto an iphone and access free classes at Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Stanford and all of the great universities.

The crossroad of my life is this.  When you can lecture at universities that would laugh at your transcript on paper it messes with you.  I had to speak one time at Brown.  I was lucky enough to get invited to speak at a conference at Brown University where I was the only non-Ph.D speaker that day.  We were half way to Brown when I realized that I left all of my notes back in Boston.  I had to rewrite my entire speech in the car on scrap paper.   Got out of the car and we were late.  They were calling me and I walked in to someone saying, “Are you Adisa?  You’re on right now.”  I almost completely lost my lunch.  All of these Ph.D’s were sitting in the front row and I walked out there and gave one of the best talks of my life…

For the full story read it here:

http://attagirlentertainment.com/?p=3084

Rapper Asheru from Boondocks & MMA Fighter Ralek Gracie Team with Hip-Hop Chess Federation for Nonviolence
HHCF Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary With Youth Tournament, Jiu Jitsu Exhibition and Live Performances

January 4th 2012- San Jose, CA – The Hip-Hop Chess Federation (HHCF) is proud to announce it will be hosting its 5 year anniversary youth chess tournament February 11th, 2012 at the Alum Rock Youth Center in San Jose, CA. Entitled V-DAY, the event is to honor their five year anniversary, as well focus on life strategy themes like, Victory. HHCF founder Adisa Banjoko stated “A lot of people have no idea what a gifted, competitive chess community we have in the Bay Area. It’s a perfect storm of good organizations, great kids and dedicated coaches, many of whom have been crucial to the HHCF’s growth,” Banjoko continues “Expect V-Day to be a powerful fusion of chess gaming, jiu jitsu exhibitions and epic panel discussion. Kids, parents, educators and rap fans will be buzzing all over.”

In addition to the youth chess tournament, there will be separate jiu jitsu workshops for youth and adults by Heroes Martial Arts instructor Alan “Gumby” Marques. At the conclusion of the workshops there will be two jiu jitsu exhibition matches. Additionally, for the first time ever, an HHCF event will host LIVE PERFORMANCES. The full line up will be announced shortly!

The HHCF has attracted a lot of attention in the press for its outreach to at-risk youth. By being the worlds first organization to fuse music, chess and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and nonviolence they have caught a global buzz. Some of those news outlets include Good Morning America, New York Times, Rolling Stone, Los Angeles Times, SF Chronicle, KALW, XXL and Vibe Magazine.

Special guests for V-Day include rapper Asheru, known around the world for the Boondocks Theme Song as well as MMA fighter Ralek Gracie. Asheru is also founder of Hip Hop Education Literary Program (HELP) in Washington DC and a respected scholar of urban education. “I’m excited to come out and be a part of it” said Asheru. ” I love the idea of coming from the East Coast and share ideas with my friends out West. I hope to be able to exchange some concepts and bring some things back to the kids I work with here in DC .”

MMA Fighter Ralek Gracie is the grandson of the founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Outside of his fighting career, Ralek has promoted his families Bullyproof anti-bullying program and just released his solo rap debut album, Ginagi. “I learned about HHCF through my friend and jiu jitsu student Rakaa Iriscience from Dilated Peoples. I had a great time playing chess and exchanging philosophical ideas with Adisa, RZA and Josh Waitzkin. Enriching the youth is very important to my family.” Ralek Gracie will host a jiu jitsu seminar at Heroes Martial Arts the night before V-DAY in San Jose. For those interested in attending, contact Heroes Martial Arts at (408) 288 8857.

V-Day, like all HHCF events will be FREE to the public and an all ages event. HHCF tournaments are frequented by families from all over the state. There is a small fee for those interested in participating in the Rated Chess Tournament. The Alum Rock Youth Center is located at 137 N. White Rd. in San Jose, CA. A full schedule of the days events will be posted shortly at www.hiphopchess.blogspot.com or follow HHCF on twitter @hiphopchess. “On V-Day, the HHCF celebrates the children who love the immortal game of chess and our friends who have supported us for the past 5 years!”

Registration online for the V-Day chess tournament opens Jan 6th 2012, 5 PM PST at www.hiphopchessfederation.org

ABOUT HHCF: The HHCF is the worlds first organization to fuse music, chess and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and non-violence. The HHCF currently operate out of the San Francisco Bay Area and Romania ( Yunus Ionut). They have hosted events to promote peace that have included RZA and GZA from Wu-Tang Clan, Josh Waitzkin, Ryron Gracie, Rener Gracie, Ralek Gracie, author Marylin Yalom, Immortal Technique, Conscious Daughters, Def Poet Amir Sulaiman, DJ Pam The Funkstress, T-Kash, Daaim Shabazz, Casual, Opio and Tajai of Hieroglyphics, Zion I, Balance, Rakaa Iriscience, DJ QBert and Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart Simpson).

I was going to put music to it. But I wanted you to see it for yourself and TRULY hear what our organization has been brining to the youth.

The Weibel Chess Fall Quads – Grand Prix (sponsored by SCS) have been a tradition in the Bay Area for 15 years.  While the numbers attending have dropped below 250 in the last few years due to the enormous increase of youth tournaments in the Bay Area, the Weibel Quads continue to pull large enough numbers (around 150) that enable me to place individuals against three other players of their own skill level.  I also avoid, as best I can, placing siblings and teammates from schools or clubs together. So, if you haven’t registered yet, join the chess happening in Fremont starting on Saturday, October 15 and continuing on November 19 and December 10.  You can play in one or two or all three tournaments.  An application has been attached for your use, or you can register online at  https://calnorthyouth.powweb.com/Applications/FallQuads11-GP/CCEntries.html  Yes, this is a secure site. Full information can be found at: http://www.calnorthyouthchess.org/Applications/FallQuads11-GP/

Description of chess quads:
Four players of equal or near equal skill, let’s say four new players to chess in the same grade, play each other at a table.  This means three games.  The winner obtains a trophy.   If there is a tie between two players or more for first place, all get a trophy.  For those children who do not get a trophy they will walk away with a very classy chess medal-at least I think it is.

Grand Prix:
Those individuals who want to compete in all three events will have the opportunity of winning far larger trophies. More information is available online.
If you have any further questions, please do send me an e-mail at:alan@CalNorthYouthChess.org.  If you desire to be removed from my mailing list send an e-mail to info@CalNorthYouthChess.org  and write remove in the subject line.

CHESS IS FOREVER,
Alan
Alan M. Kirshner, Ph.D.
Director of Weibel Chess
http://www.WeibelChess.org
*******************
“Do your own thinking independently.  Be the chess player, not the chess piece.”
Ralph Charell

LISTEN: Dyhemia Young speak in her own words about her journey!

KALW Interview with Dyhemia Young

HHCF: When did you start playing chess and who taught you?

I started playing Chess when I was 25 years old in Atlanta while working with the 1996 Olympics and the music and entertainment industry as CEO of Tillery Enterprises (promotions and marketing). I am from Brooklyn, New York and I was reared in Kent, Ohio in foster care from 12 yrs old until 18yrs old.  I am self taught and learning more everyday!

HHCF: What were some of the things chess taught you about life?

Chess has taught me that for every decision and choice; there are consequences so choose wisely.  The game of Chess has taught me to relax, relate, and release the problems and situtations that may occur frequently or in everyday life.  Life is what you make it ! And you always have a chance to win!  Never give up and stay calm.

HHCF: When did you start teaching your daughter chess and why was it important for you to do that?

I have taught Chess to over 500 students across that USA.  I am a single father with a beautiful and humble 10 yr. old daughter; Diamond Shakoor. I started teaching my daughter how to play the game of chess at 7 years old.  She was interested in playing and I told her to do good in school and you can play chess.  Chess has been a true blessing for our family. It has brought my daughter and I closer together; and it opened the door for better communication between us, about life issues.  We travel around the country and she gets to establish healthly long lasting friendships and contacts. Chess helps young people to battle “Emotional Displacement”; don’t get mad get focused!  Because a mad person can not think critically in tough situations.

HHCF: What would you say learning chess has done for her?

Learning chess has improved Diamond’s confidence and presentation skills and it is preparing her for life and real world issues! She loves being herself and the hard work, sweat, and tears; are now tears of joy! It has been a process and not always easy! Every parent should introduce their child or children to the game of chess!

HHCF: Tell me about your time mentoring Dyhemia Young in TX at the Susan Polgar tournament and what were your impressions of Dyhemia on and off the board?

I enjoyed the opportunity to meet Dyhemia Young in Lubbock, TX at the 2011 Susan Polgar Girls Chess Invitational.  When I first met Dyhemia she was listening to her music (tuning out this new chess world of course) and then I saw her in the cafeteria and asked her how to pronounce her name; because I did not want to start off by not knowing how to correctly say her name; and afterwards I introduced her to my daughter Diamond!  Which was the goal in the first place was to hopefully have Dyhemia, Diamond and Vanita to meet and network; since they were the only 3 African American Females competing in a field of 46 Players.  Dyhemia and Vanita were wonderful role models to my daughter-Thank You!  It is hard for a man to teach his daughter everything about being a young lady; so sometimes you have to fall back and play your position. On the chess board Dyhemia has great potential if given the proper training (quality time )and tournament opportunities with her busy schedule of being a teenager.

HHCF: After the tournament, have you been in contact with her?

After the tournanment I have spoken to Dyhemia a few times and frequently by text to tell her to stay focused and keeping enjoying every moment of every day!  I speak to her about life issues; the chess knowledge will come.  She is playing chess everyday; when she strives to do better today than yesterday!

HHCF: Since the TX tournament whats next for you?

Next for The Shakoor Famiily (Diamond and Dad) is to enjoy the school year and attempt to secure corporate or individual sponsorship for Diamond Shakoor to attend Chess tournaments around the country and internationally.  She is the chess worlds version of “Venus and Serena Williams”.

HHCF: Will Diamond be competing soon?

Diamond’s next major tournament is the Girls World Open in Chicago!  October 7-10, 2011.   And K-12 Nationals in Dallas, TX in November.

HHCF: What is your training method like for Diamond? How often do you practice with her? Are there any books or computer programs you might recommend?

My training methods for Diamond are simple; rest, good foods, practice problems and tactics, playing in a lot of tournaments!, taking notes from other parents and changing the formula to what works best for Diamond! She plays a lot of adults! And I tell her “You play the board not the opponent!”  Diamond practices a little every day at least 30 minutes or she takes on all comers after beating up on Dad! Computers and programs are wonderful aids if you can afford them; otherwise hard work still pays off!

HHCF: Tell me about Urban Kings and Queens? What is your core philosophy?

Urban Kings and Queens Chess Academy – “Although you are in an Urban environment or regardless of  your environment always know that you are all Kings and Queens and conduct yourself as such at all times!”  The Academy is my pathway to help the youth with life skills and share some of the blessings with other young people to make it through life with the proper tools to succeed!!!

HHCF: Any last thoughts?

Enjoying Life, glad to have finally met HHCF! Looking forward to seeing all youth reach their goals and achieve their dreams!

If you’d like to support or contact Diamond Shakoor or Urban Kings & Queens contact them here:

Diamond
Shakoor Chess Fund
3081
E. 11th Ave
Columbus,
Ohio 43219
614 309-5021  email: urban.kings@yahoo.com

Public Enemy frontman Chuck D and HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko

We’ve been friends since 89 was the number, another summer….But this is the first photo we ever took. What a great night. I took m y son to his first Hip-Hop show ever. They had alive band on stage killing it. Thier guitarist had a wired jaw, but his soul cried out through his playing….I saw Flavor Flav play the drums and Chuck rapped over it….Wicked!

When Raheem Payton first met HHCF founder Adisa Banjoko, he weighed more than 265 lbs. After telling Adisa that he wanted to be in MMA and Jiu Jitsu, Adisa gave him a diet plan and a workout regimen. In less than a year Raheem returned to school at 190 lbs and Adisa became his jiu jitsu instructor on the condition that Raheem choose non-violence as a way of life. Raheem kept  his word . Beyond that, Adisa made sure that Raheem kept school in focus above all else. Here is an interview on one of the HHCF ‘s shining stars.

HHCF: When did you first learn about Hip-Hop Chess Federation?

Raheem Payton : I first learned about HHCF in 2008 while attending John O’Connell H.S.

HHCF: What kind of things did Adisa Banjoko do to help you learn more about chess, martial arts, or life?

RP: Adisa has helped me with all three. The chess aspect, I was taught the basic movements and how to think before I act. With martial arts I gained a great deal of discipline and self-control along with physical health benefits. In life Adisa has been not just a great mentor but a great friend. He has helped me learn to take steps in life which is making me become a better person.

HHCF: Are there any particular stories you remember from your time working with him or watching him work with other students?

RP : There’s really too many to count. It seemed like every day I was coming to Adisa for advice on how to deal with my life issues. But one in particular I really remember was when I would be going through rough patches with my parents he would share his stories about how he dealt with similar situations and reassured me that everything would work itself out in time and to be completely honest it did.

HHCF: What do you think you will remember most about working with HHCF?

 RP : What I really enjoy is the reality that comes with HHCF. Everything that people read about is real people and everyday struggles in life with positive ways to cope.

HHCF: How important was it to Adisa that you graduated?

RP: I can really answer that question with one word dedication. If I had to think of anyone who was going to get on me about graduation it would be Adisa. He was always the person who made sure I was going to be successful.

HHCF: If a kid asked you why they should word with Adisa Banjoko and the Hip-Hop Chess Federation what would you tell them?

RP: Adisa has so much knowledge to share and I believe not only children can learn from him I know many adults that need to be where he is as a leader. He doesn’t sugar coat anything, you can really hear the truth in his words.

HHCF: Any last words?

RP: Adisa Banjoko is not only a close friend of mine he’s a father figure to me. I learn from him and I know a lot of people feel the same way. I was very lucky to come across someone that has pushed me time and time again to always push for my dreams.

If you would like the HHCF to mentor a young person you know email bishop@hiphopchessfederation.org

My good friend Amir Sulaiman made this poem. I love it…Made this clip playing chess with my son and some clips from HHCF events.