Meet Diamond Shakoor, a remarkable young talent who, at the tender age of 8 in 2009, etched her name in history as the youngest African-American female to achieve an undefeated streak in a Chess National competition.
But her journey in the world of chess doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career.
Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Diamond’s fascination with chess was nurtured at the Urban Kings & Queens Chess Academy, where she embarked on her path to greatness.
She attributes her achievements to an innate passion for the game and a natural talent that sets her apart.
However, she’s not resting on her laurels. Diamond has a goal, one that would not only break boundaries but also inspire many more young chess enthusiasts.8
Her dream is to become the first and youngest African-American female chess grandmaster, a feat that would make her a trailblazer in the world of chess.
She states:
“I love to play chess; it’s like life, basically. It’s like a battle. Half of it is natural talent, but I’m starting to study now.”
Her commitment to improving her skills through study exemplifies the dedication she has for the game.
Diamond’s mentor and coach are none other than her father, Abdul Shakoor, a highly educated individual with two master’s degrees who teaches courses on chess.
He has been guiding Diamond’s chess journey since she was around 7 years old.
It’s a remarkable testament to her talent and dedication that she can now consistently outmatch her own teacher. Abdul Shakoor acknowledges her prowess by saying, “When she’s focused, it’s incredibly tough to beat her.”
Diamond Shakoor’s story is not just one of individual talent but also a testament to the power of nurturing young talents and providing them with the guidance and support they need to reach their full potential.
Her journey is an inspiration to many aspiring chess players and a symbol of what can be achieved with dedication and determination.
As she continues to aim for the grandmaster title, there’s no doubt that Diamond Shakoor will leave an indelible mark on the world of chess and inspire many others to follow in her footsteps.
