I'm so excited to share I've partnered with A Step Ahead Chess, to launch their new Chess is Art Series. Please read their press release below.
...........
In 2010, A Step Ahead Chess Launched their platform to immerse students around the world in the history, playing styles, and broader educational impacts of chess. To date, A Step Ahead Chess has impacted over 1200 students and families, globally. As ASAC continues to expand (in now offering after school programming and in person tournaments for the greater Chicago area) they seek to continue their positive and educationally immersive influence on communities through Chess and now, Art.
A Step Ahead Chess is excited to partner with the Chicago based artist, Jeff Backham to showcase his acrylic paintings that reflect the stories of Black and Brown peoples in American history. Beckham’s inspiration for his first chess related painting will be chess master, Nigerian refugee, author and prospective grandmaster, 11 year old Tani Adewumi.
We're excited to announce that not only will 50% of the profits from this artwork be donated to A Step Ahead Chess, but the piece will be also be awarded to all section winners of Chess Championships IV!
About A Step Ahead Chess:
Our Mission is to leave a lasting impact on the lives of children by addressing their physical, mental and emotional needs with quality care and compassion. We have a vision of changing the lives of young people with chess lessons beyond the board.
To date, A Step Ahead Chess has exposed 1200 plus youth and their families to chess, traveled over 11,000 miles to compete, had 40 plus youth compete in United States Chess Federation rated tournaments, won 7 individual and 5 team top place trophies in competition, celebrated two 1st place Advanced Section tournament champions and raised over $60,000 to expose, encourage and empower youth despite their financial limitations.