In today’s endless and ever growing list of options to pass the time, engaging in technologically state of the art experiences that are made to order with the push of a button, there’s a wellspring of toxicity and overstimulation we can now see being rejected by certain jaded and niche communities. I recently read about thirty to forty somethings who were buying “dumb” phones to avoid unwanted temptations and sensory overloads which definitely resonates with me but I’m not quite ready to make that commitment. I have, however, made a point to dedicate time each day to fully engaging my mind and stimulating my physical senses by such mindfulness practices as reading physical copies of books, playing pool at my local hang out spot and putting pen to paper as opposed to using the notes in my iphone. I was recently invited to make a guest appearance at an event for the chess community. A mixer of sorts that mashes up the chess community and local hip hop scene of Athen, Ga. As a local rapper I felt honored to be invited, but I was particularly excited at the opportunity to support another local non profit. Truth be told I grew up playing chess and had recently picked it back up again. So I took a minute to ask my friend Dave Mathews some questions. Dave is the director of chess education and engagement for the non profit Chess and Community here in Athens.
What’s your history with chess?
I’ve been involved with chess for a long time, over 22 years; not just as a player, but as someone who has benefited and participated in its popularity via growth and community. Over the years, I’ve been more of a teacher than a competitive player – which I am looking to change this year – and through initiatives and programs, I have helped organize events and programs that use chess to teach strategy, focus, and resilience, especially for young people.
How’d you get involved in the nonprofit Chess and Community?
I became involved with Chess and Community after my family moved to Athens, GA from Atlanta, GA with a 501(c)3 that assists children with literacy through expression, tutoring and the arts. Our family has deep roots in Athens that we never knew of – like being related to the Dunn family, Stroud family, as well as our beloved Mary Frances Early. After being in the business circle, we heard about Lemuel “Life” LaRoche and he personally invited me to participate in the Monday Chess Play @Athens Clarke County Library. I started as a participant, going to some of the events like open chess play at the library and community activities. After being evaluated by some of the team and by Ty Scott – a chess coach, I started as a mentor to others and volunteered. Later, I was accepted as a coach, and about 2021 I was elevated to the program coordinator. As it would happen, my development of the programs led to me being elected as the USCF affiliate Tournament Director in 2022 by the Executive Director and Founder – Lemuel LaRoche, who is an instructor and professor at the University of Georgia;
I believe in the mission: using chess as a gateway to critical thinking, leadership, and community-building. Chess and Community is not just about the game, which I am really into; it’s about preparing youth for challenges beyond the board, and I wanted to be part of that impact. Now I am – in 2025, as the Director of Chess Education and Engagement for our Athens and Macon locations as well as Atlanta [my hometown] where we just obtained a newly opened office location.
Tell me about Chess and Pizza and the origins of this event. Is this event exclusive to Athens, GA, or is this a staple in the chess community?
Chess and Pizza started as a simple idea: bring people together around two things that naturally create conversation and connection – chess and food. It began here in Athens, GA, as a way to make chess more accessible and inviting. We have a wonderful relationship with the owner of Little Italy’s Pizzeria on North Lumpkin and it has been a While it’s rooted locally, the concept is universal, and it could easily be a staple in any community that values togetherness and creative engagement.
What’s the significance of chess and hip hop being mashed up into an event?
So, this year I am looking to bring new eyes and hearts to chess and our events at Chess and Community. As an ardent chess player and singer/songwriter and recording artist I find that there is a symmetry in both chess and music because they can be about expression, strategy, and storytelling. The Chess and Hip Hop event is a new spin on our usual programming as well as an avenue for local artists and performers who also have the curiosity or duality in chess to mingle with the community. By combining them, we highlight the creativity and intellect in both spaces. It’s a way of showing young people especially that strategy and art go hand in hand—that thinking ahead and expressing yourself aren’t separate, but deeply connected.
Do you see any parallels between hip hop and chess?
Absolutely. Not just in Hip Hop but all forms of performance and modes of creative excellence. Chess is an art, just like music. I’ve been a multiinstrumentalist for as long as I played chess, the two are nearly inseparable to me. This is why we highlight our programs which touch every bit of technology, leadership, interest and hobby alike. In chess, every move builds on the last, just like in hip hop every lyric or beat stacks to tell a story. Both require improvisation, discipline, and awareness of your opponent – or your audience. And both are rooted in community and culture.
Do you experience much crossover between the hip hop and chess communities outside of this event?
There isn’t always a visible overlap day-to-day, which is why this spark of an idea came to me and I thought there was no better place for it to begin than now as we are building toward some of our other local events – like the Classic City ChessAThon [on November 8th] – where anyone can be a player or support a favorite player/team. Hip hop brings people together, and this is what we want to do because everyone has experience with overcoming difficulty, struggle, and vision – themes that align with chess and reflect life. Events like this help make those parallels more visible, and they create new spaces where the two communities can meet.
Lastly, for those of us who attend the event, what can we expect?
You can expect an energy that’s different from a traditional chess tournament. First and foremost, there is going to be food, free pizza for all attendees – who we want a majority of people to sign up on our Eventbrite link: https://chessandpizza.eventbrite.com There will be a local meet and greet with interactive activities from guests, open chess play for beginners and a Bullet Chess challenge and prize/giveaways. Aside from that there’ll be music, creativity, and connection with moments for artists and performers to introduce themselves and engage with the crowd -playing music from artists with our DJ. It’s about celebrating intellect and artistry in the same space. People walk away not just entertained, but inspired by how chess and culture can elevate each other. This is also a small fundraising event so tickets are free but some are open to donation with the option of any amount, organic uplifting of the community by the community; these funds, even as low as a dollar can help schools and recreation centers get programming – often for free.
Believe. Create. Inspire. That’s my drive, ambitious focus and torch to pass to every person like a pawn promoted into a Queen or how a series of chords can convey a feeling between people without ever using words. This is the legacy you will find at the event.
