HHCF Juvenile Hall Diary Day 4!!

As I came in on Thursday, I had a lot swimming in my mind. I was thinking about the kid I kicked out. As per my personal rules, if I kick a kid out, he is out the day after. I was contemplating keeping him out for the week.

About 20 years ago, I was studying Confucianism thanks to an old Native American friend (he also introduced me to the beauty of sushi). A scholar from the Ming Dynasty wrote at the time “To go too far, is just as bad is not going far enough.” Was it unjust to keep him out? Was it being weak to let him in given the chances of him coming back with disruption on his mind. He was charismatic. The kids in the hall could follow him.

I checked into the building in a slight haze. As I got in they informed me that today was the last day. I had mistakenly thought it went all week like last years camp. It was not like last year. It rattled me more than I thought. I had plans for them on Friday and now, it was NOT to be.

One of the weirder things about jails and juvenile halls is the sterile nature of the place. The fluorescent lights, peanut butter walls, white walls- they numb you out. Kinda depressing, I can't lie.

So, I came in and I just wrote something on the board:

KING= Your goal.

Strategy= What tools (pieces) will you need to make it happen?

Checkmate= You win/ Victory!

They read it as they came in ready to go. I shook their hand as they entered. The energy was upbeat.

“This is my last day y’all. I did not plan for it to be like this. I thought I would be here till Friday- but I’m out. So, rather than get caught up with a lot of philosophy, let me just say that I loved being with you guys. I don’t know if any of this will stick but I hope you liked learning from me and I hope you liked the games you played.”

They were all sad. “ Aww man that’s weak.” one of them said.

“ I know, but look. Let me just run through some for attack strategies and lets jump on the boards. The main thing I want you to know is you are all brilliant. Your wisdom is not the issue. You are all brilliant. I just want you to get out, stay out and live well.”

We went over knight for puzzles. I was a stickler for ensuring they answered everything algebraic notation. They did it. Then we jumped into some games. It was fantastic.

One Latino student who I taught some moves to, who beat me after I gave him some pointers had blood in his eyes when he sat at the board. We went hard. I got him 3 games straight. He smiled at the end of class and was like. I’m gonna get you tomorrow” smiling wide as we shook hands.

A kid standing behind me said “He’s not coming back it's over.”

His smile went away and he shook his head. You could tell he was running some internal dialogue.

“These were great games man. Great games” I said.

After my break I went into the next class. I wallked in a little early. My classroom was not open. I stood in the pod looking around. One of the kids rooms was dark (they choose if they want their light on or not). In the blackness of the room and glare of the window I could see two eyes lasered in on my face. It was one of my students. He saw me see him inside the darkness. I smiled and nodded. Gave him two thumbs up. He smiled and nodded back. It started to bother me that he was in a cage. That he was in a cage and could still smile, gave me an odd sense of hope though. I’m still not sure what it was all meaning to me.

As I greeted them, the boy who I had issues with walked in. Head up, super proud. I greeted him and shook his hand. He shook my hand but his eyes were emotionally cold. I could tell though that the sincerity of my smile and energy of my greeting caught him off guard.

I quickly told them this was the last day. I was giving some final motivational words. The SAME kid who I just let back in was talking. I politely asked him to stop once, then twice. The third time I turned to him and approached his desk.  

“Come on man” I asked in a pain inflicted tone. “You just got back. I’m chillin’. You know it’s my last day. Are you really going to do this right now. You’re just gonna come in knowing it’s my last day and cool out in the back of the room talking with you boy? Why would you do that?

Before he could respond the kid who I smiled at through the blackness cut in.

“You gotta forgive him. He does not understand plain words. You gotta look at him in his eyes and be like ‘N*** SHUT THE F*** UP!’ a he will chill out.”

The room chuckled, and the kid continued. “Nah seriously, you know how when kids are born their heads are shaped bad. He’s one of those. You gotta massage his head and form it so he can hear you.” More snickers came out across the room.

I looked at Tats and I said “Is that what I gotta do? Help me understand. Because I feel like you are totally disrespecting me right now- and I don’t get it.”

Tats smiled a sincere smile. He said “Look I don’t mean any disrespect to any teacher. Especially to any OG. I respect you OG. I do. I respect all the teachers here.”

Then in a millisecond his face changed. He looked up at the lights and it seemed like he was no longer talking to me. It was like he was standing in the room looking back at himself “At the same time, I’m a man too OG. I’m a man!” he cried out in passion- not anger. “I do my push-ups in the room. I do my crunches. I do my jumping backs. I’m kinda small but I’m gettin bigger. I’m a man.” The guys in the room fell out laughing. Their laughter took him out of his trance. He smiled and laughed a little too. “I know I sound crazy. But I’m serious though.”

I realized in that moment that his issues were not really with me. His issue was he was torn between the boy who was evaporating and the man who was emerging. He was unsure if I told him to be quiet and he did it- was he being weak in a space where being weak made you a target?

“OK. I respect you as a man” said without hesitation. “But I don’t feel like we need to get all into it just to get through a class. These guys are trying to learn too. When you interrrupt, you are taking away from their time, and your time. That’s all I’m saying” I stated with a slight shrug of the shoulders and my palms turned up to the ceiling.

“I got you OG. I’m chillin’” he said sitting back and nodding.

The class went onto to be the best of the week. He played in the best game of the week. It see sawed back and forth between he and another kid. In the end he lost but the game was so epic the whole room was laughing and joking and yelling.

Turns out, Tats was a incredible rapper and dropped some heavy verses before class was out. He shook my hand before he went back to his cell. The kids were all wishing I could come back. I feel the sting of it too. But that class was amazing.

As one kid was goig out the door he said “Can I make money playing chess?”

“No lil bro. No. You want to use the game to build your plan for your LIFE and push hard that way. Then you will get paid. But you have to stay on the boards to really see the levels. You understand?” He nodded and smiled.

The highlight of the last class was with a kid who I knew trained in jiu-jitsu and meditation with a good friend of mine. Apparently a kid from my first class had a problem with him. I heard talk about them possibly getting physical. This kid and I played several games all week. This day we did not. As class was letting out and I was saying goodbye I pulled him aside.

I pointed to the thing on the board about the king, the pieces and the victory. I said “Look, you know I don’t know you that well. But I know your instructor and he would not want you figthing right now. He would want you going back to your room and meditating. He would want you in your room exercising. He would want you to think through this. For me, when I look at you. Your king is FREEDOM. I don’t know what that kid did. But nothing he said, is more important than getting out. Unless he is actively on you trying to harm you- keep it peaceful. Because anything you do is going to get you more time. Don’t give the courts one more second than you have to. Get free and then me, you and your instructor can go train and get some sandwiches and chill. Wouldn’t that be better than being in here?”

He nodded. “OK….OK.” in a tone that told me for the moment he was convinced nonviolence was the best way out. I called his instructor and told him what happened as I left.

Oh! I gotta say there were 4 different rap sessions I saw in the hall. One was from a kid who did not know chess. By the end of the week he did an amazing freestyle about chess and life. He said that he was so confused by the game and he never thought he could learn. I promised him he would know the game and he thanked me for keeping my word.

There was the rap session with the Tats who I just mentioned. It was truly amazing.

Another dope moment was a kid handed me a copy of a song he wrote. It is super deep and covered a lot of painful issues around his incarceration, broken family trauma and loniness he faces. I hope to share it with you in the future. But I have to get some clearances before I can.

Also, the first day  when I asked who could rap they all pointed to this White kid. He was the only White kid in the hall that day ( a few more came in the day I left- it was all Black and Brown). He had bright green eyes and slicked back hair. The verse he did blew my mind. He was getting out that day. This afternoon he reached out to me on Instagram. I’m gonna try to get him to record a song.

I want to thank you all for taking the time to read this and I want to thank all the good people at the Alameda County Juvenile Center for their kindness and support. I want to thank all the JIO’s for their support when I’m in all the units. It is always and honor for me to spend time with incarcerated kids. Much love y’all.

Defend The Crown,

Adisa

HHCF Starts Summer Sessions in Juvenile Hall: Day 1

Today the HHCF was happy to be back for another summer session at juvenile hall. As you may recall, last summer we were at Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center teaching chess and life strategies. We returned today and it was amazing.

This morning I went in and met some amazing young souls. Each day we go to three units. They are held in regular classrooms. Each visit to the hall is always emotionally trying. If you have never been to a juvenile hall, it can be depressing at times. It takes some real psychological and philosophical preparation. Because I have done a work in St. Louis with Incarcerated youth, and did prison volunteer work before, a lot of this is not new to me. Nevertheless, it is not easier.

I think because my kids are older now, many of the teen boys and girls there resemble my own kids and others in my family. I reminded myself as I approached to treat these kids like family.

The first kids were in Unit 4. A cool group of about 12 boys entered my classroom.

“We finna just sit here and play chess all morning?” one boy said defiantly with a scowl on his face as he sat down reluctantly.

“No” I said calmly, “We’re going to talk about a lot more.”

I started by just introducing myself. I talked about my history. I explained to them all the mistakes I made as a kid. I talked to them about how my school counselor at Oceana High School (Mr. King) saw me as a journalist before I saw it in myself. I went onto tell them about how I met Eazy E and how my interview with him led me to write for the rest of my life.

I explained the point of it all was that when I couldn’t find any value in myself, Mr. King saw a writer. His ability to see me as a writer changed me forever. I reminded them that no matter the mistakes they may have made that they are still young and brilliant. I reminded them that I do not judge them in any way and that I am not here to save them. “I cannot save you: I said. " I am not here to be a savior. I am only asking you to allow me to give you some tools to help you make better decisions. If you let me do that, you will save yourself. You won’t need me.”

Then I shared my book Bobby, Bruce & the Bronx: The Secrets of Hip-Hop Chess with them. They looked at the photos of me and Eazy and Pac. After laughing at me, they asked me about what Hip-Hop was like way back and about the fashion of the time. It was really cool.

From there we just jumped into the game of kings. When I asked how many of them knew the game, 80% of the kids raised their hands. I then chose two teens to teach the others how the pieces moved. HHCF is always using peer to peer training to help young people engage and inspire one another.

Between the gaming I shared the life lessons from the book. The class was amazing and the kids were supremely inspired to come back Tuesday.

After a short break I went back to Unit 4 to meet a second group of kids. Another group of 12. They were a little harder on sight than the first group. A short heavily tattooed teen walked in flexing his muscles. Despite wearing a long sleeved sweater you could see he had size. He came in yelling that he was the best in the game and he didn’t care who thought they were better- including me. I looked at him and blinked- unmoved.

Another boy with the same skin as Wesley Snipes sat down casually and pointed to the kid who had been flexing. Half slouching in his chair he stated “You gotta beat him in chess first. If you can beat him, we’ll listen to whatever you have to say. If you lose, we out.”

The kid flexing smiled and nodded “Straight up.”

I smiled back.

“Before we do that, I have to say something. Without asking permission” I went into the same talk as I did with the previous group. I shared the book again.

The young man with the tattoos looked up on the board at my outline of piece values ( Q = 9 pts. R = 5 pts, B = 3 pts, N = 3 pts, P = 1 pt.).

Interrupting my introduction he said “What is all that?” in a wrinkled tone with a wrinkled forehead.

“Oh this?” I said in a relaxed tone. “You’re looking at the value of all the chess pieces. I thought you was ‘the man’?” I said in a mocking manner.

He smiled. “Ok, ok.”

From there I went onto the conclusion of my talk. In this group all but two kids knew how to play. They caught on quick and we all played a few games. The tattooed kid was good, but I won my game. Anticipating a lot of trash talk, I caught him off guard by shaking his hand and talking about all the things he did well.

By the end of the class all the kids were locked into the 64 squares of infinite combat. When class ended each kid was promising  big losses to their opponent the next day.

After lunch I went into the Unit 1. I used the same pitch as the first two. 60% of the kids knew the game here. I taught the ones who didn’t as those who did just jumped into battle tactics.

Later I played a game with a strong Latino player. He was long and lean, with a close haircut and a youthful smile. Even the rugged realities of juvenile hall had not robbed him of his smile. I was inspired by his inner peace and the preservation of his joy.

We went into our game and I played him very soft. He was the wrong one to do that with. My laziness was met with a wave of aggressive tactics. Before I knew it, he had my king running for the corner. In the panic, I broke my queen out to save the situation. She defended me well until I slipped and she was sniped by his bishop.

As he was closing in to finish me off class ended. He gave a sinister giggle and postured up.

“Saved by the bell!” I shouted like a man in the ring with Tyson in his prime.

“Just kidding. You were gonna get me. I’mma give you this one. See you tomorrow.”

“Ok, ok!!” he said laughing hard. I will see you tomorrow.”

Pt. 2 will get posted about 10 PM PST. I really love our time with these kids. You guys be well.

Defend The Crown,

Adisa

HHCF Jiu-Jitsu Student Takes Silver in JJ World League + New HHCF Queens Team Announced

15 year old HHCF Chess and Jiu-Jitsu student Young Megatron won a silver medal at the Jiu-Jitsu World League Championships this past weekend. It was a great event with ton of competitors from all over the state. It was really well run. To see the high level technique today's kids compete at is very inspirational. Look for more HHCF Chess and Jiu-Jitsu teens and adults to be competing in June at the All Star Championships in Santa Cruz. 

Young Megatron gets silver at the Jiu-Jitsu World League Championships at Cal State East Bay 

This summer, the HHCF has launched an initiative to help young women learn the benefits of chess and jiu-jitsu. We started the HHCF Queens Team. Here is one of our new ladies after her first class. We hope to enroll more and more young women. Right now we only have a few. If you know a teenager or adult woman that would like to learn the power of the fusion of chess and martial arts please have them contact us at 888 588 4418 or visit www.hiphopchess.com for more info!! The HHCF is a proud affiliate of Heroes Martial Arts. 

                                 One of the new young ladies to join the HHCF Queens Team

If you would like an HHCF Oakland Gi (fashioned after the Raiders) visit www.deusfight.com 

HHCF Chess and Jiu-Jitsu Representative Takes Gold at Jiu-Jitsu by the Bay!

Congratulations to HHCF Chess and Jiu-Jitsu representative Andrew for winning GOLD in his division at Jiu-Jitsu by the Bay this past weekend. It was a great event with a really tough bracket. There were truly zero slouches in his bracket. Every match was a battle. Andrew is not only a member of our team, he is the wrestling coach and an amazing mentor to our kids. 

He embodies the physical and philosophical attributes that the HHCF Chess and Jiu-Jitsu program teach. He is a young man of immense character. It wasn't until after his second match he told me he had come down with what he thought was the stomach flu. He fought ANYWAY. 

I want to thank my instructor Alan "Gumby" Marques and every member of the Heroes Martial Arts team for being an amazing family. Next week our kids will be competing in SF. We expect to bring our best and nothing less. 

                                                                    Defend the crown! 

HHCF Jiu-jitsu Team Going to US Open This Weekend!!!

A quick shout out to our coaches and students competing in the US Open!!! The HHCF jiu-jitsu team is an affiliate of Heroes Martial Arts and we appreciate the guidance of Alan "Gumby" Marques, coach Sammy and our wrestling coach Andrew is developing our students.  Sign your kids up at www.hiphopchess.com . If you would like one of the HHCF jiu-jitsu gi's go to our sponsor Deus Fight for the "Oakland" gi www.deusfight.com !! 

HHCF Classes on Chess & Life Strategies NOW Enrolling!!!

HHCF is now enrolling kids in classes on chess, chess and life strategies and chess and jiu-jitsu and youth entrepreneurship . Our classes are fun, all ages and help kids of all backgrounds learn to value the power of their own mind and body.  We also offer amazing Hip-Hop dance classes taught by Grant Torino and Karate classes taught by Sensei Anthony Thomas! Visit www.hiphopchess.com to learn more. 

HHCF Panel on Hip-Hop & Violence August 6th in The Bay Area!

For Immediate Release

Crystal Silva

Contact@hiphopchessfederation.org

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Hosts Community Panel to Discuss

Hip-Hop and Violence

RZA of Wu-Tang Clan Sponsors HHCF Community Forum on Rap’s Role in Promoting Peace

July 18, 2016- San Francisco, CA - Due to the climate of violence in America the Hip-Hop Chess Federation (HHCF) is hosting a panel discussion on Hip-Hop and Violence. “HHCF has been fusing Hip-Hop, chess and the martial arts to help kids conquer violence for ten years. In the recent wave of violence in America and the around the world we are hosting a panel on how people art are using it to educate and inspire people to be more peaceful servants of our community.” August 6, from 2-6 PM at GM Services in association with HHCF located at 42660 Christy St. Suite B, Fremont, CA. This event is free for all ages!

Panelists include rapper Casual of Hieroglyphics, Sociology Instructor at Merritt College Dr. Charity Clay, rapper CMG of the pioneer woman's rap group Conscious Daughters and St. Louis Art Consultant Susan Barrett of Barrett Barrera Projects. A special MMA guest panelist will be named shortly.

After the panel there will be open chess gaming to be played by those who attend, Hip-Hop dance exhibitions and Brazilian jiu-jitsu exhibition matches as well. The organization's goal is to help individuals discover themselves and respect the humanity of others through the fusion of art and logic.

The event is being funded in large part by RZA actor and founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. RZA is on the HHCF Board, a 501c3 nonprofit.  RZA and Adisa have worked together in St. Louis promoting art as a path to peace to the youth during the St. Louis uprisings surrounding Mike Brown. Due to RZA’s heavy recording and film schedule he cannot attend this event but knows the importance of it. The work RZA and Adisa accomplished in St. Louis is detailed in Adisa’s new book Bobby, Bruce & the Bronx: The Secrets of Hip-Hop Chess.

Beyond the panel there will be exhibitions of Hip-Hop dance, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and open chess gaming.

“RZA supported us when few understood the importance of what we do. His kindness and consistence with HHCF is unparalleled” stated Adisa Banjoko. “ With so many weapons of war on American streets and in the world, there has never been a better time than now to be nonviolent. When I look at the streets of Minnesota, Louisiana and Dallas the one thing I’m sure of is that those choosing violence as a solution are not winning!!  I don’t see anyone winning with violence right now. I see all sides in America losing. My faith in the power of innovating nonviolence has never been greater and the time has never been better than now to create more peace.”

For more information call 888-335-4418 or RSVP @ https://www.facebook.com/events/1738612206381189/ or follow them on IG & Snap @realhiphopchess

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Summer Camps Start June 9, 2016!!!

HHCF is happy to announce we will be hosting our always packed summer camps!!!! Our summer camps allow your child to grow learning things like Hip-Hop dance, chess and life strategies, jiu-jitsu, and TV and Film production. Our goal is to refine their character and their fitness levels. HHCF camps will have special guests from the film, technology, jiu-jitsu and chess world visiting our kids. We will also be taking field trips to some of the coolest companies in the technology world. HHCF camp teachers are ALWAYS life scan cleared to ensure your children are consistently in a safe and fun environment. They get packed QUICK so go to www.hiphopchess.com and sign your kids up today! See you in June!! If you would like to DONATE to the HHCF CAMPS or host a visit to your technology company visit our website or donate on our homepage. 

Raw Allstar Cheer and Dance Win National Title

For Immediate Release

PR Contact:

cheer@rawtalents.org  

Bay Area’s RAW Allstar Cheer Team Wins National Championship

Tri-City Cheer and Hip-Hop Dance Team Take Top Honors

4/22/2015 Fremont, CA- A co-ed team of Bay Area youth ranging from 5-17 years old had the prestigious honor of National Champion bestowed upon them at last weekends Elite National Championship in San Mateo, CA.

Raw Allstars is one of The Bay’s most decorated affordable and respected Allstar competitive cheer and Hip-Hop dance teams around. Created in 2012 to give kids an authentic, affordable competitive cheer and dance experience. Since then the team has been winning regional, national and international titles consistently.

“Our team is meant for hard working kids of all ages who want to discover, build and test their skills” said Coach Bishop. “

Allstar cheer is a competitive form of cheerleading that blends dance, gymnastic and a variety of athletic skills to fast paced music. Allstar cheer boasts more than 100,000 kids and teens across the country and is regaining is popularity on the west coast.

“We are so proud of all these kids” stated Cheer Director Andrea Ceballos. “It was not an easy year for us. The work came from us taking 3rd place standing at the Aloha Spirit Championships in Honolulu. When our team got back, everybody on the squad was ready to take it to the next level. Elite National Championship was our final competition of the year. Our kids gave it all they had and the results paid off.“

RAW Allstars will be opening their doors this weekend for a upcoming team placement event open to the public.

RAW Team Tryout Info :An informative parent meeting and team placement will take place Sunday April 26 starting at 3pm at 37428 Centralmont Place, Fremont (off Cedar and Central). Come see why athletes from all over The Bay Area travel to be RAW Allstars.

For more information call 888-588-4418 or follow on Instagram @rawallstars_bayarea