If you looked up “serving others” in an encyclopedia you just might find a picture of Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson. Orrin is an Air Force veteran and a former state trooper who founded Be Someone, an organization that helps kids develop leadership and life skills through chess one move at a time.

Just what inspired such a massive career change?

Orrin is a former gang member himself and he was exposed to many of the rough sides of society as a state trooper. He saw a need for further efforts to support character development in the children of underserved communities. Orrin believes that needs go unmet when concerned people fail to take action. He wanted to be part of the solution so he stepped forward and started Be Someone.

Be Someone is about much more than chess. Though chess is the vehicle by which material is delivered, Orrin’s underlying goal is to teach skills and develop character traits such as concentration, responsibility, self-esteem, problem solving, and discipline. Through Be Someone Orrin encourages kids to put “Brains Before Bullets” and to “think it out” instead of “shoot it out.” 

Learn more about why Orrin chose chess as his platform in the full article here!