Sunrise in the Bronx: Chess and Life Lessons - From the South Bronx to the White House

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.

Over the years, MacEnulty’s chess teams win countless local, regional, and national championships, all while earning the respect of peers and mentors alike. These accomplishments capture not only the attention of their school and chess communities, but that of the nation as well. They soon find themselves invited to dinner at the White House, where they are celebrated as symbols of hope and inspiration for all. Even in the wake of such achievement, however, the true measure of success for MacEnulty and his students lies not with the honors, titles, and trophies they win, but in the lives they touch and the futures they forge together.

A testament to the transformative power of true dedication, Sunrise in the Bronx celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the enduring impact of integrity, teamwork, and effort in the face of adversity. Throughout this remarkable journey, David MacEnulty and his students remind us that, with dedication and faith, every sunrise brings the promise of a brighter future.

David MacEnulty began teaching chess at the elementary school, PS. 70X in the South Bronx. He is an award-winning teacher with over thirty years of experience teaching children and adults. His chess teams have won numerous New York City, New York State, and National Chess Championships. He was named Chess Educator of the Year by the University of Texas at Dallas, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the US Chess Federation, and has written chess books such as How to beat your kids at Chess.