Maurice Ashley

- Chess: Maurice Ashley -02/03
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People: Maurice Ashley

l 02.01.03

MAURICE ASHLEY is the first African-American grandmaster in the U.S. Chess Federation's history, and the first to compete for the U.S. Chess Championship.

Ashley was born in St. Andrew's Jamaica in 1966, his family moving to Brooklyn when he was 12 years old.He began competing in tournaments when he was 14 as well as playing in Brooklyn's Prospect Park.After graduating from City College of New York with an English degree, Ashley began spending all his time on his first love: chess.He coached and taught many successful school programs, some reaching the highest levels of national competition.

In 1999, Ashley became the first US African-American grandmaster in U.S. history.Around this time, he opened the Harlem Chess Center for children interested in playing chess after school.Unfortunately, the Center had to close due to lack of funding in 2002.

In January 2003, Ashley competed for the U.S. Championship title, scoring 4 points in the 9 game match out of a field of 58.He has been filmed by the BBC and PBS for "The Future of Black America," due to be aired in February 2003, and recently signed a book deal with Doubleday extolling the benefits of chess for young people.Chess players can go to www.chesswise.com and take courses from Ashley and fellow GM Michael Rohde.