The 2024 HBCU Chess Classic: Navigating Challenges and Building for the Future

The 2023 HBCU Chess Classic set the bar high with its inaugural event, but the 2024 edition faced its own set of challenges. Co-founders Alan Cowan and Shaniah Francis had to navigate the transition into adulthood and the logistical hurdles of organizing the tournament on their own. Despite the obstacles, they successfully launched the 2024 event at Georgia Tech, introducing a new section for HBCU alumni.

With chief tournament director Tiffany Harris at the helm, the tournament hosted 33 players from six schools, with Florida A&M’s Caleb Parker emerging as the individual winner with a perfect score. Team honors went to North Carolina A&T-A, and Homer Robinson swept the alumni section. Despite some initial pairing issues, the tournament ran smoothly, ending an hour earlier than scheduled.

Looking ahead, Cowan and Francis have ambitious plans for The Black Odyssey and the future of the HBCU Chess Classic. They aim to incorporate arts and chess into next year’s event, creating a festival-like atmosphere. The goal is to uplift HBCUs and create a bridge between schools, with a vision to host the tournament at different locations and expand its reach.

The future of the HBCU Chess Classic looks bright, with plans to involve more schools and create a bigger impact. As future leader Caleb Parker invites, anyone interested in joining the HBCU Chess Classic should mark their calendars for next year’s event, emphasizing the importance of connection and community in this growing movement.