TheGrio’s 100: Justus Williams, ‘LeBron James of chess’ is the
youngest black chess master   In just four years, Bronx native
Justus Williams went from chess novice to being awarded the
level of chess master by the United States Chess Federation at
age 12, becoming the youngest African American chess master in
history. He describes himself as “the “LeBron James of chess.”
Williams was your typical Air Jordan-wearing, music-loving kid
going to public school. In third grade he started looking for an
extracurricular activity to get involved in, and his mother
suggested chess. Williams joined an after-school program called
Chess in the Schools and caught on to the game quickly. His
teachers took notice. From there, Williams started competed
nationally and internationally, winning titles along the way.
Justus Williams is making history as… an internationally
recognized chess master. Williams is ranked fourth in the world
in his age group and has traveled all over the world to play
other renowned chess players,