This week in Black history

Maurice Ashley became the first Black chess player to attain the rank of International Grand Master, the highest ranking bestowed by the International Chess Federation, on this day. A Jamaican immigrant, Ashley graduated from New York City College. He began to play chess at 14 and honed his chess skills with the Black Bears School of Chess, an informal group of young Black players. Later, be became chess director of the Harlem Educational Activities Fund. Ashley is one of nearly 500 grand masters in the world, the highest title in chess short of world champion. Ashley is currently a chess commentator for ESPN2 and makes appearances nationwide to promote the benefits of learning to play chess.

March 16, 1827--

John B. Russwurm (l) and Samuel E. Cornish published Freedom's Journal in New York City on this day. It was the first Black newspaper in the United States. Freedom's Journal was founded to counteract a local newspaper that encouraged slavery and deplored the thought of freedom for slaves. The four-page, four-column publication ran from 1827 to 1829. The Journal's name was later changed to The Rights of All.