Draft:Shama Yisrael

Shama Yisrael (born 2004) is an American chess player and the first African American female chess master in United States history.

Career

Yisrael along with her brother Melakah and sister Shalam learned the rules of chess at a local library. Two weeks later they met National Master Otis Wilson, who immediately began coaching them. When asked about coaching Yisrael, Wilson said "It takes a level of dedication, drive, grit and sacrifice that few people in any area of life are willing to commit to". She has credited Wilson for most of her success as a player saying: "I can say without a shadow of doubt, that I would not be here without his efforts and belief in my abilities."

In 2022 at the 27th Space Coast Open, she defeated National Master Makaio Krienke in the 4th round. The game won her the tournament's first place brilliancy prize. The game was subsequently published by multiple chess outlets with annotations given by her coach.

On July 13th, 2024, Yisrael attained a USCF (United States Chess Federation) rating of 2202 thus becoming the first African American female National Master in U.S. History. This historic accomplishment was first reported by 954Chess on the company's Facebook page which included a thank you message from Yisrael herself. The following day the United States Chess Federation via their X page (formally Twitter) announced the historic milestone.

Legacy

Yisrael's accomplishment has had a profound impact on the chess community. She has become a role model for aspiring chess players and her achievement has been a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the game. Her success has inspired many young players, particularly girls and women of color, to pursue their passion for chess.

References

United States Chess Federation's X (July 14, 2024). Retrieved October 22, 2024. United States Chess Federation players database (July 13, 2024). Retrieved October 22, 2024.