In the game of chess, the white pieces move first by default. The concept of BlackmovesFirst originated from our C.E.O. and Founder, Alton Jamison. Alton wanted to teach his daughter, shown above, the game of chess, and he took her to N.I.C.E (Norfolk Initiative for Chess Excellence), led by Lisa Suhay and Dr. Bowman. N.I.C.E is where his daughter learned how to play, and Alton fell in love with the game of chess and inspiring youth to play. From here, Alton launched a chess club in Williamsburg, VA, which is still going strong today and has taught numerous youth how to play. Alton is an avid chess player and has always been passionate about challenging minorities to learn the game. He is passionate about teaching chess in urban communities, and he strives to break the barriers of minorities playing chess.
BlackmovesFirst is more than an oxymoron in chess; instead, it calls for people to strive for success, even when the odds are against you. To strive for success even when you may not have the advantages of others. BlackmovesFirst is a movement and a call to action to make a difference in every area of your life. Whether you wear our apparel or purchase our boards, we want you to know that you are an integral part of this movement. Our motto is, “Changing The World, One Move At A Time.” Every time you support us, you help us to make a difference in the world of chess and in the lives of others, one move at a time.
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