HHCF's Dyhemia Young Feature on KALW by Jen Chien

"Mama Bev", Dyhemia Young, Vanessa Varko and Mrs. Lightfoot (Dot's O.C. original family! We were here before the hype and we'll be here after!)
Photo by: Adisa Banjoko, HHCF Founder
KALW News Radio Update on HHCF and Dyhemia Young

Interview with Abdul Shakoor of Urban Kings & Queens!

Pressure Makes Diamonds
By, HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko


When HHCF player Dyhemia Young was in TX to play for her chess scholarship, she was lucky enough to find true friends in a young girl named Diamond and her father Abdul Shakoor. He helped to coach her technically and emotionally through the tournament. He and I have talked a lot since then and I wanted to share a recent interview I did with him about chess, life, fatherhood, positivity and power of always pursuing your goals. He also runs an organization called Urban Kings & Queens. They do good things for the community. Check out our conversation below.


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

HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko in Timberland Boot Campaign

We still can't believe it either. Check out the rest of shots in the series on the Complex Magazine site: http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2011/08/gallery-the-25-best-images-from-timberlands-mos-campaign#21

Jupiter Jiu Jitsu/HHCF Jiu Jitsu Teams Patrick Ryan win via Triangle Armbar!

Gotta love the gentle art! Congrats to Patrick. Great man of great character.

Chuck D from Public Enemy and Adisa Banjoko Hit The 64 Squares!

In the late 80's there was a huge African-American play called The Meeting. It was about a mythical secret meeting between Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. At one point in the play, they play two games of chess. This sit down, was like that meeting. For the record, I met Chuck D the summer- 89 was the number. Sound of the funky drummer was all over the streets. The other night, I took my son to his first rap show. It had to be Public Enemy. My son met Chuck D after the show. Chuck shouted me out from the stage telling the crowd he knew when he came to The Bay Area, he was with family. It was touching. The day after, we talked business and sat at the boards for a bit before he was off to LA. Much respect to Chuck. I want to thank him for opening my eyes and my spirit to the positive impact Hip-Hop could have on the planet.

If all you wanna do is keep the whole world back- YOU'RE the ones thats wack!

Jiu Jitsu is NOT the only fighting art that can be applied to chess. LISTEN to Bernard Hopkins

HHCF Working its Way to LA...

HHCF founder Adisa Banjoko, along with the HHCF Communications Director were recenlty in LA focused on west coast expansion. While down there, their friend Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart Simpson) invited them out for dinner. After dinner they bumped into none other than John Travolta and his lovely wife Kelley Preston. HHCF will be announcing the opening of its LA headquarters soon! For more info email bishop@hiphopchessfederation.org !!

HHCF Student Profile: Raheem Payton, Graduate John O’Connell High School 2011

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

Life Strategies Summer Series # 4: Find The Roots of Your Anger and Yank it Up

Of all the emotions on earth, the one most humans seem to most freely express is anger. This is a very dangerous emotion. Mostly, because it leads to the bulk of violence around the planet. When I say violence I don't mean just military conflicts. I mean brothers hitting sisters. I mean sisters hitting sisters (and bothers). I mean parents punching and slapping children. I mean kids pulling out guns on the playground. Its all a branch expression of anger. One second of unfocused anger has landed millions of people untold years in prison and even more in execution chambers. Don't let the next person you know be YOU!

But what are the root of anger?

For some, its fear. If people are bullied long enough, and endure in silence they can lash out violently with zero notice. Most people say that person went "over the edge". But the truth is, that long periods of humiliation almost always result in an angry outburst at some point. Some fear those of different racial, religious groups or genders. They attack those people falsely believing that they are really doing some good. Its never good.

Yet anger can be displayed with a level of dignity (meaning the person defends themselves from the bully by getting an adult or discovers their self worth and defends themselves). Or, it can become a twisted mass of pain an evolve into things like Columbine.



For most, anger is usually something thats wrong inside them. It comes some say, from a sense of entitlement. They believe that they have a "right" over this friendship, this boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, child, etc. that justifies the reason they slap, choke, or slam someone.You never have that right. Unless you are truly defending yourself (or your family) and there is no other way out, there is pretty much no reason to be violent toward another human being. May times we try to play things up to make them seem more dangerous than they are so we can justify it. We put fake moral frames around it to make it seem like we are a hero. But we're not. Its just another cowardly act, clothed in another lie.

My son and I were talking about a book on leadership he's reading. He quoted a line from the book "They leave the root but try to set up the branches." If you try to set up hollow branches of fake smiles and laughs around an angry root, its bound to show up eventually.

Find the roots of your anger and face them down. If that means verbally confronting a bully- then do it. But don't allow yourself to become a bully in the process. If you find a bully staring you back in the mirror, take a moment to really think about why you do what you do. Find its root and yank it up.

The only good anger that I have found, is anger over things that affect common justice. If you see someone being bullied, it should anger you and you should do something to stop it. Tell an adult or tell the person doing the bullying that its wrong.

If you see an animal being abused, an elderly person being neglected it should make you mad. You should do something about it. Take action! But action does not have to mean being violent. Anger is normal. But how you express it, is totally up to you. Learn to uproot your anger so you can let it empower you, not destroy you.

What was Adisa Banjoko doing before HHCF? He was working in prisons to free minds...What were YOU doing?

It's 10 a.m. on the last Saturday in February and local activist Adisa Banjoko is on one hell of a book tour. Inspired by renowned area rap vets hawking their albums out of car trunks, Banjoko sells his Lyrical Swords series — a collection of essays, interviews, and political ideas related to hip-hop, martial arts, and even chess — mostly hand-to-hand on the streets. For the release of his latest effort, Lyrical Swords Volume II: Westside Rebellion, though, he's forgoing the pavement to visit a place few big-name authors tend to tread — the California prison system. After speaking with Muslim inmates in Vacaville earlier in the month, today the San Jose resident is working the exercise yard at San Quentin. His goal: to educate the public about the importance of black and Latino unity, an issue especially important in light of tumultuous race tensions behind bars in this state.

THE FULL STORY : http://www.sfweekly.com/2006-03-29/music/black-steel-in-the-hour-of-chaos/