Programs celebrate Dr. King’s legacy
Published: Saturday, January 21, 2012, 6:37 AM
Updated: Saturday, January 21, 2012, 6:41 AM
By Maura Grunlund
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After learning that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a chess player, Deacon Bernice Alleyne founded what has become St. Philip’s Baptist Church’s 7th annual “Chess and Checkers Tournament” staged on Martin Luther King Day.
Ms. Alleyne believes Dr. King applied some of the critical thinking skills used in chess to his successful campaign to end racial segregation.
“When he was playing chess, Dr. King had a lot of moves,” said the deacon, coordinator of the event since its inception.
“He did a lot of things to move us forward as a people,” she said. “Who knows what chess moves trigger changes in life?”
About 30 children and 15 adults were enthusiastic participants in the event Monday at the Port Richmond church.
“The youth learn how to think strategically when they’re playing chess against each other; it’s a thought provoking game,” Ms. Alleyne said.
Youngsters read their essays about Dr. King and participants viewed a powerpoint presentation about the civil rights leader by Florence Shirley.
“We’re here to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” the Rev. Dr. Tony Baker, pastor, said, adding, “The young people may not have heard of Dr. King and what he means to the fabric of America and around the world.”
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