Alumni Spotlight

Naeem Crawford–Muhammad:

How has Chess in the Schools impacted your life?

I have fond memories of my years with Chess in the Schools. My class was the first to complete four years of the then-unnamed College Bound Program. Cultural enrichment opportunities are a big part of the program. So, we often had guest speakers, book clubs and visits to Broadway shows. I enjoyed them very much and they helped to kick-start my love of New York City’s cultural institutions.

Tell us a bit more about your career.

I am a corporate lawyer and work at a large law firm with offices in New York and London. We primarily help clients with law related to mergers and acquisitions (helping a company join with or buy another company), banking (helping companies secure loans), and securities (helping companies issue stock or bonds), among other things.

What are your other interests?

I am a huge NYC sports fan and enjoy rooting for the Knicks, Jets, and Mets.

What’s next for you?

I moved to London at the end of September.

Did you have a signature chess move and if so, can you still use it?

I was never the best player, but I enjoyed the Najdorf variation (a6) of the Sicilian Defense. There is something elegant about it.

What’s your favorite chess piece and why?

The King, without which all would be lost.

What is your favorite midnight snack?

Cheez-its (cheddar only).

If you could tell current students one thing, what would it be?

From the educator Booker T. Washington, “Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”