Children’s Spotlight of the Week: Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi – From Refugee to Chess Prodigy
Tanitoluwa Emmanuel “Tani” Adewumi’s journey from hardship to triumph is a story of resilience, determination, and talent. At just 14 years old, Tani has captured the hearts of people worldwide, not only for his accomplishments in chess but also for the incredible story of his family’s perseverance and unwavering faith.
Fleeing Persecution to Build a New Life
In 2017, Tani’s family fled Nigeria after Boko Haram, a jihadist group, demanded Tani’s father, Kayode Adewumi, use his printing shop to produce materials for their cause. Refusing to cooperate, Kayode knew his family was in grave danger. They left everything behind, arriving in the United States on a tourist visa. Initially living in a homeless shelter in New York City, the Adewumis worked tirelessly—Kayode washing dishes and his wife Oluwatoyin cleaning—to support their children.
Discovering Chess: A Life-Changing Encounter
It was in this homeless shelter that Tani first saw a chessboard. Intrigued by the way “anything can happen,” he began to learn the game. A teacher at his school noticed his passion and invited him to join the chess club, waiving the $360 fee when the family could not afford it.
Tani’s journey into chess was not an immediate triumph. After an early tournament where he didn’t win, he asked his mother why his prayers hadn’t been answered. Undeterred, he continued training every Thursday after school. Soon, his hard work began to pay off.
A Rising Star in Chess
In 2019, at just 8 years old, Tani won the K-3 New York State Chess Championship, defeating 73 players in his division despite having played for only a year. This remarkable achievement brought him national attention and changed the trajectory of his family’s life.
Since then, Tani’s rise has been meteoric. Now a FIDE Master (FM), Tani recently clinched his first national title at the 2024 U.S. Cadet Championship, finishing undefeated with a 6/7 score. His performance brought him closer to earning the coveted International Master title.
Beyond Chess: A Family’s Triumph
Tani’s success has opened new doors for his family, who have since moved out of the homeless shelter to a home in Long Island, New York. Their inspiring story has been chronicled in the book “My Name Is Tani, and I Believe in Miracles,” co-written with author Craig Borlase. The story is being adapted into a film, with rights purchased by comedian Trevor Noah and Paramount Pictures.
A Bright Future Ahead
Tani’s determination, talent, and faith have made him an inspiration to children and adults alike. As he continues to pursue his dream of becoming a chess grandmaster, his story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that no challenge is insurmountable.
We celebrate Tanitoluwa Adewumi as this week’s Children’s Spotlight, recognizing his incredible journey from adversity to accomplishment and the hope he represents for children around the world.
