Author name: Orrin Hudson

At Be Someone, Inc., we’re not just teaching chess—we’re teaching choices. Every pawn, every piece, every move on the board is a lesson in life. Our mission is simple but urgent: use the game of kings to save the lives of future leaders. I founded Be Someone after hearing the tragic news of seven employees being shot execution-style over just $2,400. That senseless loss sparked a fire in me. I knew I had to do something.

Twenty-five years ago, I started Be Someone, Inc. with a simple mission: to use chess to stop crime and violence and give young people the tools they need to win in life. After a tragic robbery in Queens, New York—where seven innocent employees were shot and five lost their lives—I knew I had to make a move. I could no longer stand by and watch our children fall victim to bad decisions, peer pressure, and a broken system. I made a commitment to be part of the solution.

When you have taught as many young people as I have through the years, you can quickly tell when they first sit behind a chess board, what kind of person they are and what kind of person they might become.  My most successful kids are those who believe in themselves and respect others.  My instruction fosters that but it also teaches it.  Many sadly have never been taught that.

For years, people have encouraged me to start a blog—sharing my thoughts on youth development, leadership, and life lessons. At first, I wasn’t too excited about the idea. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I have nearly 24 years’ worth of wisdom through Be Someone that might benefit others. So here I am, finally putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). I’ll keep my posts short and to the point, and I’d love to hear from you—your feedback, ideas, and even suggestions for topics.