Cotton Canvas Tote Bag (Maurice Ashley)

Maurice Ashley is a renowned figure in the world of chess. He was born on March 6, 1966, in St. Andrew, Jamaica1. When Ashley was twelve years old, he moved with his family to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York1. With instruction from his older brother, Ashley began to play chess1.

Despite failing to make the chess team during his high school years at Brooklyn Tech, Ashley resolved to compete in local tournaments1. He joined the Black Bear School of Chess, a local group of African American chess enthusiasts from Brooklyn1. By the time he graduated from high school in 1984, Ashley had determined to attain the highest possible chess player ranking of Grandmaster1.

Ashley became a National Master within two years and also became the captain of the City College of New York’s chess team, which competed in the Pan-American Intercollegiate Championship in 19871. He led the Raging Rooks chess team at Harlem’s Junior High School #43 to victory in the National Junior High School Championships in Dearborn, Michigan in 19911.

In 1993, Ashley became an International Master of Chess, the first African American in U.S. history to obtain this ranking1. He also finished in first place at the esteemed Enhance International Chess Tournament and became champion of Manhattan’s Marshall Chess Club Championship1.

At age thirty-three, Ashley became the first African American to attain the rank of International Grand Master of Chess in 19991. This achievement was reported in a variety of publications across the globe, including The New York Times and Sports Illustrated1.

Maurice Ashley’s contributions to chess extend beyond his personal achievements. He has been a coach, a commentator for major chess events, and an advocate for using chess as a tool for educational growth1. His story is a testament to determination, skill, and the power of chess as a tool for intellectual development1