05/27/2026
In 2017 a Nigerian family fled Boko Haram and arrived in New York City with nothing.
They moved into a homeless shelter in Manhattan.
Their 8 year old son discovered chess at his school.
One year later Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi walked into the New York State Chess Championship and defeated 73 of the best players in his age group.
He won. From a homeless shelter. In his second language. At 8 years old.
The New York Times put him on the front page. The world fell in love. A GoFundMe raised over $250,000. His family moved out of the shelter.
In 2025 at just 14 years old Tani became an International Master the second highest title in chess. Now at 15 he is chasing Grandmaster. The highest title in the game.
The African child does not wait for perfect conditions.
He builds a kingdom on a chess board in a homeless shelter and makes the whole world watch.
Happy Children’s Day Tani. The board is yours.
Tag an African child who carries greatness inside them.
