Lunch Bag (Diamond Shakoor)

Diamond Shakoor is a remarkable figure in the world of chess. At the young age of 8, she became the youngest African-American female to go undefeated in a National Chess competition in 2009. She has since participated in over 250 tournaments and is a seven-time national champion.

Diamond’s journey in chess began at the Urban Kings & Queens Chess Academy in Columbus, Ohio, where she was mentored by her father, Abdul Shakoor, who has two master’s degrees and teaches courses on chess1. Her father has been a significant influence on her chess career, and Diamond has reached a level where she can consistently beat him in the game.

Her goal is to become the first and youngest African American female chess grandmaster1. Diamond’s dedication to chess and her achievements are not only a testament to her talent but also an inspiration to many young people, showing what can be accomplished with passion and hard work. She once said, “Chess means everything to me. It’s changed my whole life for the positive”1. Diamond Shakoor’s story is a powerful example of how nurturing young talent and providing guidance and support can lead to extraordinary achievements.