Orrin C. Hudson has made history by teaching chess to 100,000 Black and Brown kids, using the game to empower minds and inspire motivation. Read more about his incredible journey.
Orrin C. Hudson, a world-renowned chess champion and motivational speaker, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first person to teach chess to 100,000 Black and Brown kids. Founder of the non-profit organization Be Someone, based in Atlanta, Hudson has dedicated himself to empowering young minds through the strategic and intellectual game of chess.
Since 2001, Hudson has been an inspiration in his local community in Atlanta, Georgia, where he has taught both children and adults at his training center. His impact extends beyond borders, as he has traveled across the United States and internationally to countries like India, Dubai, the Philippines, and France, imparting not only chess skills but also essential life lessons.
Beyond his role as a chess teacher, Hudson is a master motivational speaker sought after by Fortune 500 corporations and organizations. He shares insights on team building, productivity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and more. Notably, Hudson collaborated with Disney on a 5-city tour to promote the 2016 film “Queen of Katwe,” featuring Lupita Nyong’o. Hudson’s motivational phrases resonate with his students, emphasizing the importance of choices and the consequences of each move. “Moves matter.
The moves young people make determine the roads they take,” he asserts. His teachings go beyond chess strategy, instilling values like giving over taking and encouraging thoughtful decision-making. As the first African American to win the city chess championship in Birmingham, Alabama, Hudson’s journey from chess champion to motivational speaker has been marked by calculated sayings and well-planned strategies.
His organization, Be Someone, aims to teach chess to at-risk kids, teaching critical thinking skills and inspiring them to set high goals.
With a blend of Garry Kasparov’s strategic mindset, Steve Harvey’s charisma, and Yoda’s wisdom, Hudson engages around 65,000 kids through his organization. Numerous honors, including recognition from the NAACP, the FBI, and Black Enterprise, highlight Hudson’s impactful work. In 2018, he was named one of George H.W. Bush’s Points of Light, underscoring his commitment to educating, motivating, and instilling confidence in children.
Hudson’s message to the youth is one of empowerment: “If I can do it, you can do it. No one is better than you. If we make smart moves, we can get great results.” His journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of chess, turning young minds into strategic thinkers and inspiring them to make every move their best move.
