A Life Transformed by Chess
“Always think before you move” is a powerful lesson, both on the chessboard and in life. This is the message that Eugene Brown aims to pass on to the youth of Washington D.C. His story, filled with struggles and triumphs, will soon be shared with a wider audience through the movie Life of a King.
The film stars Cuba Gooding Jr. as Eugene Brown, who faced a troubled youth and multiple stays in juvenile detention. Eventually, he was convicted of bank robbery and sentenced to 15 years in the Trenton State Penitentiary. It was during his time in prison that Brown discovered chess, a game that brought him peace and focus.
From Prison to Purpose
After his release, Brown returned to Washington D.C., where he founded The Big Chair Chess Club. The club is named after a 20-foot-tall statue of a chair located in Anacostia, a neighborhood in the city. His goal was to help young people by teaching them the game of chess and, in turn, guiding them toward better futures.
Brown’s efforts have paid off. His students, ranging from children as young as six years old to teenagers, have achieved success, winning trophies in national chess championships. While the movie trailer emphasizes Brown’s work with troubled teens, he actually trains children of various ages.
In addition to his work with the chess club, Brown now works in real estate, continuing to shape lives through both his business and his mentorship.
A Story of Redemption
“Life of a King” is based on the real-life story of Eugene Brown, whose journey from the prison cell to becoming a mentor and educator is a powerful example of redemption. The film will open in theaters on January 17, offering audiences a chance to see the inspiring story of a man who changed his life—and the lives of many others—through the game of chess.
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