Black History Month: Chess, Faith, and Personal Responsibility
- Christopher Major
- Feb 23
- 2 min read
By Chris Major
President, Novato Chess Club
As we close 2026 Black History Month, I wanted to share a video of my participation on a 12/20/20 panel called "Who are my brothers: A conversation On Racism."
Chess is more than a game.
It’s a universal language spoken across cultures for over 1,500 years. At the chessboard, labels disappear. There is no blame. No shouting. No division.
Every move is yours.
Just like life.
Faith and Reason
Young people today need more than information. They need discernment. They need to learn how to reason—and how to anchor their lives in something deeper.
They must define for themselves what a dignified life in Jesus Christ looks like.
Too often, media promotes anger, division, and the idea that one side is superior to another. That runs counter to everything we teach about family and community.
Jesus Christ was about forgiveness. Responsibility. Love.
When we shape our lives around Him, negative thoughts lose their grip.
The Power of Responsibility
I was raised in a strong Black family by two parents who emphasized education, accountability, and community engagement. They taught me to be present. To let my light shine. To own my choices.
Chess reinforces that lesson.
You can’t blame your opponent.
You can’t blame the board.
You must think—and live with your decisions.
That discipline builds character far beyond the game.
One Board. Equal Pieces.
At one point I realized: I rarely saw African-American children at the chessboard. I saw players from many other cultures—but not enough kids who looked like me.
Chess belongs to every culture. Every civilization has embraced it.
What if we brought more young people together at one table—different genders, different backgrounds—and let them see that everyone starts with the same pieces?
That image matters.
Because at the chessboard, everyone begins equal.
Why This Work Matters
This isn’t just about teaching chess.
It’s about forming character.
And in today’s world, that matters more than ever.
♟️
— Chris Major
#PeaceThroughChess #NovatoChessClub #RotaryInternational #Kharkiv #ChessForPeace #ServeToChangeLives
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