Seattle, WA — October 27, 2025 — Seattle Police Department’s Detective Denise “Cookie” Bouldin teamed up with Jameel Shabazz, owner of J Styles Barbershop and founder of Project Impact, to host the Sunday Barbershop Chess Tournament — a unique event blending the strategic game of chess with one of Seattle’s most influential community spaces: the barbershop.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Washington Chess Federation, brought together youth, families, and community leaders to promote critical thinking, mentorship, and positive engagement between police officers and the community.
Detective Bouldin, widely known in Seattle for her long-running Detective Cookie’s Chess Club, said the tournament represents the power of creativity and connection in building stronger neighborhoods.
“Chess teaches strategy, focus, and patience — qualities that help young people make smarter choices in life,” said Bouldin. “By bringing chess into a space like the barbershop, we’re creating conversations and trust that go beyond the game.”
The Barbershop Chess Tournament served as both a learning opportunity and a safe, inclusive gathering for Seattle’s youth — highlighting how everyday spaces can become platforms for growth and unity.
Shabazz, who partnered with Bouldin for the event, noted that the collaboration shows what can happen when community members and law enforcement work together toward a shared goal.
“The barbershop has always been a place of wisdom, learning, and brotherhood,” Shabazz said. “Adding chess to that mix gives young people a chance to challenge themselves and connect with mentors.”
The Seattle Police Department continues to support programs like this as part of its broader community policing initiative, which focuses on outreach, transparency, and positive youth engagement.
🔑 Key Highlights
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♟️ Detective “Cookie” Bouldin hosted a Barbershop Chess Tournament with J Styles Barbershop.
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🤝 Event partnered with the Washington Chess Federation and Project Impact.
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🧠 Aimed to promote strategic thinking, mentorship, and trust-building among youth.
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🏙️ Supported SPD’s mission to strengthen community-police relationships in Seattle.
📍 About Detective Cookie’s Chess Club
Founded by Detective Denise Bouldin, the Detective Cookie Chess Club has been a pillar of Seattle’s youth outreach efforts for years, using chess as a tool to teach discipline, patience, and community connection.