Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) — LaSalle-Backus Education Campus principal Dr. Deborah A. Cox took an unusual step for her northeast D.C. students, inviting a chess champion to her school to use the game to provide some special lessons.
Chess guru and founder of “Be Someone, Inc.,” Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, visited the school, April 2, with a particular goal. “Dr. Cox tells me she is focused on developing practical skills and techniques to overcome many of life’s obstacles,” he explained before the visit. “The game of chess has helped me do just that so I will be sharing my special lessons with these students.”
Hudson, once an inner-city youth destined for trouble until a teacher taught him the game of chess, had several goals for the LaSalle Backus youngsters. “First, I hope to piqué their interest. Next, together we are going to turn an after school chess club into national chess contenders,” said Hudson. “Using techniques I have used around the world, I will promote and motivate students to make calculated moves through empowerment – by pushing kings around.”
While he was in D.C. for the presentation, Hudson was honored by the FBI for his service and exceptional insight and success in reaching disadvantaged young people through chess.
According to Dr. Cox, “Hudson’s Be Someone movement stresses such ideas as responsibility, thinking before making decisions, and to be champions not only in the game of chess but also in life. A key lesson Orrin teaches is just as there is a consequence for a wrong move on a chess board, there is a consequence for every poor decision we make.”
“I can’t wait to meet these new students,” Hudson excitedly explains. “This is what I do. I truly believe a teacher saved my life and I’m now paying back that debt.”
The former Alabama state trooper with a determination forged through years of personal challenge, emphatically underlines why he does what he does, “Teaching the children to think strategically about their future makes my heart sing.”
