VIDEO: Lost Footage from Oberlin Lecture on Forgotten Chess History, Nonviolence and Jiu-Jitsu

Earlier this year Adisa Banjoko gave a talk at Oberlin College in the science dept. It was the first time he spoke about the history and impact of the fusion of Hip-Hop and chess. Only a small portion of it was covered in my work at the World Chess Hall of Fame's Living Like Kings exhibit. Though a smashing success on many levels, as you can imagine it is a complex and deep subject. 

Some of  the talk was not immediately available online after he spoke. Only a few days ago did ALL of the talk make it online. The subject of this talk became my upcoming book, Bobby, Bruce & Bam: The History of Hip-Hop Chess. Look for it in early 2016. I hope you enjoy these clips. Many thanks to Kalind Parish for his sharing of the video.

How the rise of Bobby Fischer, Bruce Lee and Africa Bambaataa changed chess, Hip-Hop and martial arts- forever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvA9TeQpYxc 

On how the LA riots changed how rappers talk about chess https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEjUFgYwK5U

On chess and nonviolence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI7Da0ED2u0

Thoughts on talks at Oberlin, U Conn and Beyond!

I had a great time at University of Connecticut doing my lecture Hidden in Plain Sight: The History of Hip-Hop and Chess. I was invited to do this keynote talk by the UConn Hip-Hop Collective. I want to thank Dr. Ogbar, Justis and Jasmine for all their kindness and hospitality. The entire conference was amazing from front to back. I met so many amazing people, I can't even list them all. Great campus and great food!! I love food.

 

U Conn Husky, DJ, MC and student mastermind Justis Lopez!!

 

 

 

 

I also want to thank the Oberlin Chess Team. Special shout to Ali, Linda, Kayland and Constantine. I had an amazing time out there and I will never forget the experience. I will never forget the spirit of the students in attendance. I will never forget the good food and the laughs we had after over burgers and tater tots. I hope to come back and do more with you next year.  

 

I love this. I don't know why...It just stuck with me.

 

 

     The Oberlin Chess Team rocks!!! These are the faces of the kids who will change the world...

 

 I have learned so much about the powerful spirit of the youth and the power of what is coming in the future. Sometimes, with my friends (the old fuddy duddies) we talk about the potential horror of the future. "These kids today" this...."In my day" that....Let me tell you. After going to so many colleges and youth centers across the country I am only convinced of one thing.

Our children are brilliant, passionate, courageous souls who seem more than equipped to take on whatever the world brings. I have more faith in the beauty and power of the future than ever before. I look forward to the summer coming and even more....to the next school year and beyond.

If you would like to have me come out to your school and talk about Hidden in Plain Sight, Chess and Business or Hip-Hop, Chess and Nonviolence visit The Guild Agency. See you soon!!! You can see more photos by following us at @realhiphopchess on Instagram!!!

 

LISTEN: New Podcast on Empire, Hip-Hop and Technology

New Bishop Chronicles podcast covers Adisa Banjoko on his recent travels talking at Oberlin College and University of Connecticut. He also has a great conversation with filmmaker Thembisa MShaka about TV shows like Empire, Scandal and Fresh off the Boat. The show takes a fun look at the evolution of race and gender in entertainment. We also talk about how technology has changed the way we make and listen to hip-hop and film. LISTEN HERE!

   Adisa Banjoko at Oberlin with the Oberlin Chess Team after his lecture!!

Adisa Banjoko had forever changed the perceptions and trajectory of the Oberlin student body. The diversity and depth of his topics was astounding. Not only were we informed of a powerful intellectual history of Hip-Hop, we were also given a once in a lifetime perspective on non-violence. All the students that heard his words were infused wit his spirit and desire to positively impact the world. - Cara Welch-Rubin, Class of 2015