The Journey of the First African-American Female Chess Master
Posted on July 19th, 2024 in 954 Chess by
In a historic milestone for American chess, Shama Yisrael has made history as the first African-American female chess master.
Her journey has been one of dedication, resilience, and a deep passion for the game.
Training rigorously over the past several years —albeit with some breaks—Shama has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mastering the complexities of chess.
Throughout her chess career, Shama has officiated numerous tournaments, gaining valuable experience and insights into the competitive landscape of the game.
Her firsthand knowledge of the tournament scene has fueled her desire to spread the joy and strategy of chess within her local community.
She recognizes that one of the critical barriers to further success for herself and others in her region is the lack of high-level tournaments.
While there are few opportunities available, she expresses gratitude for 954Chess, which has organized several important events that showcase local talent.
With her historic achievement, Shama is determined to pave the way for future generations of chess players, especially in underrepresented communities.
She believes that with more high-level tournaments and increased visibility, the game can flourish and attract new players. As she continues her journey, Shama remains focused on her goal of elevating the game of chess and inspiring others to join her in this beautiful and challenging pursuit.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation in all aspects of life, including the world of chess. With each game she plays and each tournament she officiates, Shama is not just making history—she is creating a legacy.
We sat down with NM Shama Yisrael who has just become the first African-American female chess master in United States history.
Here’s how it went…
Congratulations on your incredible achievement! Can you tell us how it feels to be the first African-American female national chess master?
Thank you! I feel a sense of relief that I could alleviate my coach’s and much of my family’s stress associated with all this.
Where are you from and how long have you been playing chess?
I’m from Miami and I’ve been playing for almost ten years.
What inspired you to take up chess, and do you have any competing hobbies?
It was my mom that initially inspired my sister, Shalam and brother Melakah and me to take up chess. No, I don’t have any competing hobbies.
What were some specific challenges you faced in your chess career?
One of the biggest challenges I faced, especially after COVID, was a lack of local tournaments but my coach worked really hard to regulate club play through 954Chess in the Broward area and eventually started weekly club play that I participated in and got most of my experience from.
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor throughout your journey?
My coach has been and still is my biggest influence, inspiration and mentor.
Now that you’ve achieved this historic milestone, what’s next?
I haven’t determined that yet.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not training or competing?
I enjoy spending time with my family.
What is your most memorable game, if you have one?
That’s tough, I don’t know if I have one. But I can show one from some years ago that I really liked back then.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge for their support in your journey?
I would like to thank God, my mother, my coach, my siblings, Shalam, Melakah, Qowlyah, Tipharah, Athalyah, Abiyah, my grandmother, my aunts, my step dad and many others that were mentioned in my original acknowledgement that was posted on Facebook.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes. I’d like to give a huge shout-out and a special thank you to my coach for making all this possible. I can say, without a shadow of doubt, that I would not be here without his efforts and belief in my abilities. He was there for every one of my chess victories, small and big. But he was also there for every loss and for my hardest setbacks. When I wanted to call it quits, when I didn’t believe in myself or when I lacked the strength to fight on, he pushed me to heights beyond what I knew myself capable of. Otis, thank you for your guidance, your patience, your coaching, your inspiration, and all the knowledge I’ve gained from your teaching. Thank you for allowing me the honor of being your student.
Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us!
You’re welcome!
We also asked Shama’s coach NM Otis Wilson about what it’s been like to coach her and here’s some of things he had to say.
“Well first off, she’s very talented… And talented players are great to work with, but also challenging… They usually play outside the confines of general chess principles, meaning they tend to be overly creative at times.
Especially the tactical ones like Shama… You have to rein them in because in their minds there’s no position they can’t attack from.
Aside from the talent she possesses, she’s got a good work ethic and that’s not easily taught. Both those things are a recipe for success, therefore she’s a great student!
She works very hard and deserves all the success that comes her way.
Chess is an individual sport and you have to do most of the work on your own.
You have to be mentally strong enough to weather the immensely strong negative emotions of losing a chess game.
Anyone who has put enough effort into chess can relate to the pains of self doubt and failure after a heartbreaking loss.
I cannot overstate Shama’s determination and strength to get where she is.
To persevere through those losses and reach the top 1% of chess players is no easy task.
It takes a level of dedication, drive, grit and sacrifice that few people in any area of life are willing to commit to.
She’s done that thus far and I’m grateful to have witnessed it firsthand and even more grateful to have been a small part of it!”
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