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Harlem (Heaf) Chess Celebration
Project type
HEAF, Harlem, Chess, Celebrities
Date
Through the Years
Location
Harlem, NYC
In collaboration with International Grandmaster Maurice Ashley and the Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF), Jami Anson supported the Harlem Chess International as a vibrant cultural event that seamlessly blended world-class chess with music, sports, and celebrity engagement. The annual event brought together leading figures such as Michael Gladis, Will Smith, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Botti, Joe Ausanio, and members of the New York Knicks, creating an atmosphere that celebrated both intellectual excellence and artistic expression. Designed to inspire and uplift the Harlem community, the event combined elite chess competition with live cultural experiences, drawing broad audiences and delivering lasting impact. Through its unique fusion of chess, culture, and celebrity participation, the Harlem Chess International became a signature community event that elevated chess while giving back in meaningful and enduring ways.
© Photography by Jami L. Anson
