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Dear Parents,
We are reaching out to seek your support for a cause that tackles real people, real problems, and provides real solutions. Our Summer Strategic Leadership Chess Camp, led by Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, is set to run from July 8 to August 2, Monday through Friday, from 10 AM to 2 PM. We provide breakfast and lunch to all participants.
Our mission at Be Someone, Inc., located at 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30087, is to make smart kids even smarter by teaching them critical thinking and strategic skills through chess. This program is designed to combat the pressing issues our community faces, such as gun violence and the school-to-prison pipeline.
We have four weeks left, and we need your help to make a difference. By sponsoring a child, you enable them to attend this life-changing camp at no cost to their families. Your support can provide a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn valuable skills and gain confidence.
Join us in making a positive impact. Together, we can shape the leaders of tomorrow.
To sponsor a child, please visit our website at www.besomeone.org or contact us at 404-578-5278.
Thank you for your support.
Best regards,
Orrin Hudson
Founder, Be Someone, Inc.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for your child to experience the transformative power of chess! Be Someone, Inc. is hosting a **FREE 3-Day Strategic Leadership Chess Camp** from **Monday, July 1st, to Wednesday, July 3rd**, from **10 AM to 2 PM** at our facility in Stone Mountain, GA.
Join us for three days of engaging chess instruction and activities designed to teach discipline, strategic thinking, and resilience. This camp is offered at no cost to at-risk parents and includes:
– Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
– A chance to win the Goal Belt and a $1,000 prize
Our founder, Orrin Hudson, a former state trooper, Air Force veteran, and two-time World Open Speed Chess champion, knows firsthand the life-changing impact of chess. Having mentored over 100,000 young people, Orrin is on a mission to reach 1 million youth, providing them with a positive, intellectually stimulating activity that can divert them from negative influences.
“Bad things continue to happen when concerned people fail to make boss moves. We are making boss moves because the moves we make determine the path our youth take,” says Orrin. “We are stopping gun violence with a new weapon of choice: a king, a queen, and a pawn, not a gun. Think it out, don’t shoot it out. The only way to fight is to use your head.”
Chess teaches patience, problem-solving, and decision-making—skills crucial for personal development. By investing in chess programs for our youth, we can foster a generation of critical thinkers and responsible citizens. We urge communities and educational institutions to support and promote chess as a tool for saving and shaping young lives.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Sign up today by contacting us at 770-465-6445 or emailing info@besomeone.org.
Let’s make the hood good by teaching our youngsters to man up, stand up, and pull their pants up!
Hudson is hosting a free event and bringing his life-sized chess board to the downtown Atlanta Hilton. Instead of celebrating his birthday during the Memorial Day weekend, he plans to empower young people by teaching them through the game of chess how to make strategic moves. Beginners, those who have always wanted to learn to play chess and experienced players are invited to drop in. There will be prizes and giveaways at this fun event.
At our camp, your child will not only learn the game of chess but also develop crucial strategic thinking and leadership skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. Our curriculum is designed to take years off students’ learning curve, teaching them how to make every move count and to make their next move their best move.
Here’s what our camp offers:
We believe in nurturing every child with care and love, guiding them to their fullest potential. When you move with love, you always reach your destination.
Spaces are limited, so secure your child’s spot today! For registration and inquiries, please contact Be Someone, Inc.- 770-465-6445. info@besomeone.org
Give your child the gift of leadership and strategic thinking this summer. We look forward to welcoming them to our Summer Strategic Leadership Chess Camp!
Stone Mountain, GA— Be Someone Inc., led by Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, is proud to host a family-focused event on Sunday, April 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Be Someone, Inc. Training Center located at 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. This event celebrates and honors International Good Deeds Day, featuring various leadership activities and chess lessons on Hudson’s giant chess board.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children to partake in this educational and enjoyable event centered around making positive life choices through chess. Attendees will enjoy complimentary food, T-shirts, and giveaways while supplies last. Hudson expresses his excitement for dedicating this event to the victims and families affected by recent senseless acts of crime in the metro-Atlanta area, stating, “I’m thrilled to dedicate this event in memory of those impacted by recent acts of violence in our community and across the country.”
Be Someone’s academy in Stone Mountain has positively influenced over 100,000 students using chess as a medium for teaching and mentoring youth. As a motivational speaker and two-time winner of the Birmingham City Chess Championship, Hudson has tirelessly traveled the globe in pursuit of reaching one million youngsters and imparting invaluable life lessons through chess. At the core of Be Someone’s instruction lies the fundamental principle that every move—whether on the chessboard or in life—carries consequences.
Having experienced his own transformative journey from adversity to success, Hudson emphasizes the profound impact mentorship and chess education can have on young lives. He states, “I’ve witnessed too many young African American males heading down the wrong path, just as I once did. That’s why I’m committed to making a difference and giving back to my community.”
Join Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson for a day of free fun, learning, and positivity at the Be Someone, Inc. Training Center on Sunday, April 14, from 3 to 5 p.m., as we celebrate International Good Deeds Day.
For media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Hudson at Be Someone, Inc.
About Be Someone, Inc.: Founded in 2001 by Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, Be Someone, Inc. is a youth development organization dedicated to equipping students with critical thinking skills, decision-making abilities, and problem-solving acumen necessary for success in life.
Stone Mountain, Georgia – Orrin Checkmate Hudson, renowned as a “Master Motivator Teacher and Mentor,” announces the commencement of his annual Spring Break Leadership Chess Camp from Monday, April 1 to Friday, April 5, 2024, in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Held at the Be Someone, Inc. Headquarters, located at 949 Stephenson Road, this transformative week-long camp will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with provisions for early drop-off and late pickup.
With a track record of impacting over 100,000 students, Hudson aims to extend his influence on one million youngsters, advocating for positive life lessons through the medium of chess. He attributes his own turnaround to the mentorship he received during his youth, emphasizing the pivotal role chess played in shaping his perspective on life’s decisions and consequences.
Drawing from his experiences as both an Alabama State Trooper and a mentor, Hudson employs the strategic nuances of chess to instill valuable life skills in his students. By equating moves on the chessboard with choices in life, he imparts lessons in responsibility, critical thinking, and self-esteem, fostering a sense of purpose and potential in his charges.
The Be Someone program, spearheaded by Hudson, serves as a beacon of hope for at-risk youth, offering an alternative to the perils of street life. Through engaging activities and mentorship, Hudson guides his students towards problem-solving and resilience, affirming that success is born not from the absence of challenges but from the ability to surmount them.
At the heart of Hudson’s mission lies the conviction that every obstacle presents an opportunity for growth. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication resonate with the young minds under his tutelage, inspiring them to approach life with optimism and determination.
For more information and registration details for the Spring Break Chess Camp, please contact Be Someone, Inc. Headquarters at 770-465-6445 or visit www.besomeone.org.
About Orrin Hudson and Be Someone
Orrin Hudson is a visionary leader committed to empowering youth through the game of chess, offering practical strategies for problem-solving, resilience, and personal growth. Through Be Someone, Inc., Hudson has impacted the lives of over 100,000 children since 2001, imparting invaluable life lessons and inspiring positive change. Learn more about his mission at www.besomeone.org.
Contact: Jennifer Hudson executive assistant 404-578-527
STONE MOUNTAIN, GA (December 17, 2023) — Be Someone Inc. founder and CEO, Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson has a record of giving a holiday gift to the community he serves 365 days during the year. 2023 is no exception. Hudson has announced a free one hour “Move With Love Leadership Training” class December 23 that will focus on four key points and will be perfect no matter the age. Hudson, a chess champion, will use the principles of the game to teach decision making, critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership skills.
The former gang member who turned his life around thanks to a high school teacher who taught him to “play chess not checkers,” says he selected the name for the event because “when you move with love you will always reach your destination because God is love.” Hudson explains that the past year has seen more than its share of young people getting in trouble. He knows his program has a proven track record of teaching youngsters that all actions have consequences and how to make smart decisions. “My purpose with this short but intense class, is to set the stage for successful behavior and accomplishment in the coming year.” He stresses that parents and guardians looking for positive lessons for their children will find the session profitable.
Hudson understands how busy the holiday season can be but feels the class will be a perfect fit for parents looking for a productive respite from the many demands that divert attention from truly important subjects. “Kids are out of school for the holidays and by presenting this class they will not only learn the principles of success but will see a positive role model giving back.” He adds, “This one hour will be the best family gift anyone could possibly give and receive!”
The “Move With Love Leadership Training” session will be held Saturday, December 23, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, at the Be Someone Inc. training facility, 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain (30087). More information about Hudson and his non-profit organization that he began in 2001 and has trained more than 90,000 students of all ages, is available at www.besomeone.org and/or on Instagram at info@besomeone.org. Reservations are not required. More details are available by calling 770-465-6445.
The City of Stonecrest’s Leisures Services Department and Be Someone Inc. founder Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson are kicking off the break by partnering to bring his life-sized chess board to the Browns Mill Recreation Center on Monday, Oct. 9, 10 AM – 12 Noon. Families are encouraged to attend the exciting and fun two-hour event where participants will learn that there are consequences—or rewards— for every move they make whether on the chess board or in life. There will be free food, free parking and free training.
“Not only will participants get an introduction to chess, but they will get a primer on using brain power for good,” Hudson said. “We’ll be giving away prizes and seeing who can beat me.”
The session, “Unlocking Game-Changing Life Lessons with Chess,” will provide participants with practical tools and strategies built around five areas of focus:
Hudson says he founded Be Someone Inc. in 2001 with a personal mission to share the game of chess to help others succeed. As a troubled teen growing up in inner-city Birmingham, Hudson learned to play chess from a teacher who saw his potential and the game changed his life’s trajectory.
As Hudson often tells audiences, “Chess saved my life.”
Hudson has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS Early Morning Show, CNN, FOX & Friends, Tom Joyner Morning Show, and other programs. He has been on the cover of the world’s largest chess magazine, Chess Life, and has been featured in both USA Today and People magazine. In addition to being the first African American to capture the Birmingham (AL) City Chess Championship, he also has won the George H. W. Bush Point of Light Award, the FBI Leadership Award, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leader Award.
Unlocking Game-Changing Life Lessons with Chess will be held on Monday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. – 12 Noon, at Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Rd., Stonecrest. No registration is required. For more information, call 770-465-6445. To learn more about Hudson and Be Someone, visit www.besomeone.org
Taking Action To Stop Crime and Violence Orrin Hudson to Celebrate Memorial Day ‘Birthday Bash’ Weekend by Giving Back to the Community at Atlanta Hilton Hotel
“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch and do nothing.” – Albert Einstein
ATLANTA — Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, founder and CEO of Be Someone Inc., a non-profit organization using the game of chess to teach life lessons to young people, is hosting his Memorial Day Weekend “Birthday Bash” Thursday, May 25 – 28, 4 – 6 p.m. each day, at the Atlanta Hilton Hotel, 255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta. His birthday is May 26.
The chess champion, motivational speaker, and youth mentor is kicking off summer with a free, fun, and entertaining evening for families. The free event gives attendees a sneak peek at what it’s like to attend one of Hudson’s hands-on, high energy chess camps which start Monday, June 5 and will continue through Friday, July 28. The classes will be held Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is included.
“There are no spectators at our events. We get everyone involved, from the students to the parents who are available to attend. This gets the kids engaged and creates a really fun camaraderie amongst participants,” said Hudson who has hosted children’s chess camps since 2001. “We’re looking forward to sharing this mental sport with as many kids as possible this summer and it is our hope to provide families with the basic foundation to continue playing at home,” he said. Classes will be presented both in-person at the organization’s Stone Mountain training facility and virtually.
Research suggests that chess improves kids’ problem-solving skills as well as reading and math scores. “Summer vacation can sometimes mean a temporary back seat for learning. This results in a decline in academic development. Students engaged in a structured learning environment year-round are less likely to experience summer learning loss. Our chess camps offer kids an alternative to being in the streets where trouble is often waiting,” said the first African American to win the Birmingham city chess championship (twice).
He added, “Be Someone summer chess camps offer a fun and unique way to keep kids intellectually stimulated during the break while learning skills that positively impact their overall studies in general. Playing chess has been reported to raise IQ, improve memory, boost creativity, and strengthen one’s capacity for critical thinking. “The skills we teach are invaluable in a rapidly changing world. Our camps are driven by our goal to equip youth with the tools to become successful adults. In addition to chess, kids learn sportsmanship, self-esteem, respect for themselves and others, and patience. Parents who play chess with their kids reap the same benefits which translates to better job performance. That’s a win-win for everybody” he explained.
Hudson said the tuition for the entire summer chess camp program is normally $2,000 but donations allow him to stretch that helping hand to the many underprivileged, at-risk kids who can’t afford it. “This is why donations are always appreciated and can be made at our web site.” The 8-week camp will be held Monday – Friday, June 5 – July 28. He will use a “Stop the Violence” theme because, as he explained, “Over the past year we have lost too many kids to senseless mayhem on our streets. That must stop.” Complete information will be available at the upcoming “Birthday Bash” Memorial Day weekend event at the Hilton Hotel.
For more information about the May 25 – 28 event or summer chess camps, call 770-465-6445 or visit www.besomeone.org. Hudson has literally traveled the globe presenting his program that teaches chess as a vehicle to demonstrate the principles of life as well as encourage students to find positive ways to resolve conflict. Be Someone was founded in 2001 and has trained over 88,000 youths. The organization’s goal is to eventually teach chess to one million students.
Hudson will teach and motivate students in 5 elementary schools during his five-day visit, April 24-May 1.
April 24th – Floyd Elementary School – 601 Black Creek Road Gadsden, Alabama 35904
April 25th – Striplin Elementary School – 600 Cleveland Avenue Gadsden, Alabama 35901
April 26th – Thompson Elementary School – 236 Goldenrod Avenue Gadsden, Alabama 35901
April 27th – Donehoo Elementary School – 1109 East Broad Street Gadsden, Alabama 35903
May 1st – Adams Elementary School – 919 Raley Street Gadsden, Alabama 35903
The purpose of the trainings is to give the students conflict resolutions skills and an opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking skills and peaceful problem-solving skills they have learned from previous chess-related training through the nationally-known Be Someone, Inc. mentoring program.
Studies show that students who play chess score higher in math and reading and on state standardized tests. Chess students also have an increased interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Hudson will bring his “A Game” as well as his life-size chess board and pieces. His message is, The only way to fight is to use your head! “Brains before bullets; think it out, don’t shoot it out; push pawns not drugs. Heads up, pants up ,grades up and never give up!”
“We are so pleased and honored to have Orrin at this our event, “said Hector Baeza, Community Education Coordinator. “Orrin has been touching young lives and teaching the principles of success through his chess board across the U.S. We are fortunate to have him with us in Gadsden.” Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson ,is a former Alabama state trooper, first African American Birmingham chess champion, founder of Be Someone, Inc., and author of One Move at a Time.
Hudson believes prevention is better than detention so he takes a proactive approach in teaching young people how to make their next move their m]best move
“We are so pleased and honored to have Orrin at this our event, “said Felicia Simpson, Community Education Coordinator. “Orrin has been touching young lives and teaching the principles of success through his chess board across the U.S. We are fortunate to have him with us in Gadsden.” Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson ,is a former Alabama state trooper, first African American Birmingham chess champion, founder of Be Someone, Inc., and author of One Move at a Time.
Hudson believes prevention is better than detention so he takes a proactive approach in teaching young people.
“Every move you make has a consequence just like in the game of chess. But life is more than a game,” he stressed. “You must make the right moves because one bad move could cause you everything!”
Hudson, who has trained students for celebrities like Jane Fonda, comedian Steve Harvey and the Disney’s movie The Queen of Katwe.
“I can’t wait to meet the young people of Gadsden. They have so many possibilities available to them, if they just make the right moves,” Hudson said. “That’s what I will be teaching them.”