Sunrise in the Bronx

Description

David MacEnulty dared to dream big. In the 1990’s, despite the many skeptics and the scarcity of resources, he became a pioneer of chess in the public schools of the Bronx. The obstacles were formidable—poverty, crime, racism, and ignorance. Yet, with unwavering dedication, MacEnulty and his students defied all expectations.

In Sunrise in the Bronx, MacEnulty describes his transformative journey from fumbling substitute teacher to legendary chess coach. While gradually building a team of administrators, parents, and benefactors, he guides his students through not only the rules of chess but also the invaluable lessons of resilience and determination. Along the way, he establishes the importance of principles, planning, and practice, stressing the need to believe in one’s own potential. He demonstrates how each move, each match, can be seen a metaphor for life itself. MacEnulty teaches—and sometimes learns from the students themselves—that success is not just about winning games and tournaments, but about a personal journey of self-discovery and growth…