Project Pawn Opens Flagship Chess Center in Soundview
Project Pawn, a youth chess program founded by Bronx natives Chris Johnson and Abdul Sulaiman Jr., opened a flagship space in the Soundview neighborhood on Monday, September 23, offering chess education, tournaments, and other activities for kids and families.
A Long Time Coming
The group’s founders said that the opening of the Project Pawn Learning Center has been a long time coming. "It’s still a little surreal," Sulaiman Jr. told the Bronx Times. He and Johnson grew up as neighbors in the River Park Towers and played on the same chess team. Over the years, they turned their passion from a hobby into a career that has introduced thousands of young people to the game.
The New Center
The flagship location at Soundview and Gildersleeve Avenues has 16 tables set up with chess boards, plus TVs and a lounge. The main room features a black and white mural of chess pieces and a subway car by local artist Jasminia Jolie. Johnson said the center will welcome chess enthusiasts while also provide a gathering space for other events. There are many homes in the area but few activities for families, he said.
Community Support
Council Member Amanda Farías, who was at the opening, also said that the Soundview area lacks many entertainment options like movie theaters or bowling alleys. "It’s good to add this in as a skill set and community-building component," she told the Bronx Times. Farías, who grew up in a chess-loving family, said that it is important for kids to see people like Johnson and Sulaiman Jr., who turned a hobby into an entrepreneurial opportunity that also benefits the community.
Assembly Member Landon Dais
Assembly Member Landon Dais, an avid chess fan, also attended the opening and said that learning to play at a young age "evolved [his] mind." He met Johnson and Sulaiman Jr. at a chess tournament at Yankee Stadium and became convinced that their program, and others like it, can be lifechanging for Bronx youth.
The Popularity of Chess
The popularity of chess has exploded in recent years, helped by hit shows such as "The Queen’s Gambit," which debuted on Netflix in fall 2020, said Johnson. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people became interested in learning and mastering chess — and demand just kept building.
Conclusion
The opening of the Project Pawn Learning Center is a significant milestone for the organization, and it is expected to further expand their reach and impact in the community. With its state-of-the-art facilities and expert instructors, the center is poised to become a hub for chess enthusiasts and a valuable resource for families in the Soundview neighborhood.
FAQs
Q: What is Project Pawn?
A: Project Pawn is a youth chess program founded by Chris Johnson and Abdul Sulaiman Jr. that aims to introduce thousands of young people to the game of chess.
Q: What is the purpose of the new center?
A: The new center will provide a space for chess education, tournaments, and other activities for kids and families, as well as a gathering space for other events.
Q: Who is behind the program?
A: The program is founded by Chris Johnson and Abdul Sulaiman Jr., who grew up as neighbors in the River Park Towers and played on the same chess team.
Q: What is the significance of the center’s location?
A: The center is located in the Soundview neighborhood, which lacks many entertainment options for families. The center aims to fill this gap and provide a valuable resource for the community.