Every day there seems to be more news about crime and violence in our local schools and communities. Once an at-risk high school student, Be Someone founder Orrin Hudson knows what it's like to lack direction. Today, through his motivational programs and chess lessons, he is helping thousands of kids stay out of trouble and lead successful lives "one move at a time". Watch Orrin talk about the program here.
News, programs and events that are helping kids to Be Someone.
In celebration of this year’s Good Deeds Day, Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, a national mentor and award-winning community activist, is offering a free online training session via Zoom on Sunday, April 11, from 3pm to 5pm EST.
Registration is now open for the eight-week “Chess for Success” program, which will be held every Saturday from March 20 to May 15, with a chess tournament planned for May 15. There will be $500 in prizes awarded to winners. Classes will start at 11a.m. and conclude an hour later at 12 p.m. The training is designed for ages 8 - 18 and, thanks to DeKalb County, is free.
Presented on behalf of the DeKalb County Human Services Department, Hudson will deliver his virtual classes for seniors Tuesdays and Thursdays for four weeks at 1p.m. The next class is October 29. The chess champion presented a similar summer virtual program to scores of youngsters through the County’s Virtual Village.
“Be Someone” has taught the game of chess to and counseled more than 50,000 at-risk youth with a goal of reaching a million. Chess demands creative thinking and that critical thinking ability can become the difference between a life on the streets and a life of success.