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Monday, May 26, 2008
Black and Brown Week Bridges Racial Gap
"There is a widely held notion that Blacks and Latinos do not get
along," notes Washington Informer Staff Writer Odell B. Ruffin. "Impact studies show racial divides in some high schools in Los Angeles and small
disruptions of gang violence in Virginia. Even some media analysts insist this will have an effect on the Democratic presidential
campaign. "In an to attempt dispel those notions, the grassroots organization
Grupo Afro Descendiente (GAD) held its first ever Black and Brown Solidarity week. " 'We wanted a way to calm the tension between both groups,' said GAD president Aisha Brown.
"One of the most unlikely events to bridge the gap is chess, a game which requires the most intellectual individual
to perform at a supreme level. One of the biggest events to end the week was the Third Annual Bum Rush the Boards Chess Tournament
sponsored by Words, Beats and Life held at Lincoln Middle School on Sat. May 17th.
" 'We highlight different icons from history, and show their
personal strategic struggle. It’s also a good way to learn from them. We can align our self in life to be able to wear
the crown,' said Urban Arts Academy Director Goldie Deane. "Each
figure on the chess board represented an important Black, Spanish, or Native American. From the struggles of Malcolm X, and
Harriett Tubman, a clear message was sent to the students - they can achieve anything regardless of where they start in life."
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