NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2011 — For the third time this year, Atlanta's Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson has been asked to join comedian Steve Harvey as they teach life skills to area young men who are considered "at-risk" of leading a troubled life. Hudson founded Be Someone – an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that uses the game of chess to promote self-esteem, responsibility, and analytical thinking among disadvantaged young people – in 2001.
WHAT: Steve Harvey's national program comes to New York City to provide tools of success
WHO: 100 at-risk young men from area homes without fathers. Joining Mr. Harvey and the rest of his team will be Orrin Hudson, who uses the game of chess to teach winning life skills.
WHERE: New York City's Javits Center
WHEN: Friday – Sunday, October 7 – 9. Hudson will lead two "chess challenge" one-hour sessions for the 100 participants, Saturday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
HOW: Media representatives are welcome at Hudson's sessions. Interviews to learn more about using chess to teach life(saving)-skills are available onsite. He has previously been profiled on CNN, CBS Early Morning Show, CNN Headline News, CNN American Stories and Good Morning America. In addition, he's been featured in People Magazine, USA Today, Sports Illustrated For Kids, Time Magazine for Kids, and scores of other publications.
Hudson himself had a troubled youth and explains without the intervention of a school teacher who saw potential that no one else saw, he was on a one-way road to crime, jail and possibly death. "This white school teacher refused to give up on this young, know-it-all African-American male. He taught me the game of chess," he says. "It became clear to me through this board game that there were consequences for every move I make. It taught me to think beyond the moment."
Hudson vowed that when the time was right he would pay forward this debt he owed his teacher and mentor and use chess to turn other young lives around. After serving as an Alabama State Trooper, he was able to devote his full-time attention to developing Be Someone.
He has been traveling the country since 2000 both as an inspirational speaker and chess instructor. His Atlanta-based organization regularly has classes underway where Hudson mixes his game instruction with critical life lessons. "Kids are learning much more than a game and the beauty of it," he stresses. "They are understanding things that before were incomprehensible – responsibility, consequences for their actions, winning with the mind, success is within reach."
The Harvey program, which aims to teach life and career skills to young men ages 13-18, will roll into New York City's Javits Center for three days. Attendees will enjoy panels on manhood and career-building, as well as a suit fitting and a town hall meeting on healthy living with 100 participants. Hudson's "chess challenge" will be key part of the weekend event. "I will teach these young men that their mind is their greatest asset. I will teach them a game that they probably have never even considered," he explains.
Hudson was excited earlier this year when Harvey asked him to join his effort that targets young men who come from homes without fathers. "I know the challenges and obstacles these young men face but I know first-hand they can overcome, achieve and be someone," he says. "As Mr. Harvey explains, this weekend will not only help these participants but future generations as well." Hudson has joined Harvey in Los Angeles and Dallas events earlier this year.
Hudson's "think like a champion" program has a successful track record. He has trained more than 20,000 students, and his lifetime goal is to reach one million youngsters before he turns over the responsibility to others coming behind him.
To learn more about Hudson and his Be Someone organization, visit the website at http://www.besomeone.org
PRESS CONTACT:
Janice Davis
770-465-6445
Email
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