Blog → October 13, 2021

My Name is Tani...and I Believe in Miracles by Tanitoluwa Adewumi

Written by Heidi Grimshaw
My Name is Tani and I Believe in Miracles book cover

The story of Tanitoluwa Adewumi or “Tani” and his family is one of hope and hard work. Tani and his family came to the United States from Nigeria in an effort to flee unrest and persecution from Boko Haram. The Adewumi family quickly found that while the United States offered them safety, there were still many difficulties. Through hard work and grit, Tani and his family have not only survived, but thrived. Tani has contributed to three different books about his story, first, a hopeful picture book called Tani’s New Home written about how once in the United States, Tani is able to follow his passion and succeed in playing chess. Tani with the help of author Craig Borlase tells his story in more depth in My Name is Tani and I Believe in Miracles: Young Readers Edition. This edition is aimed at 8 to 12 year olds. Then for adults and older readers there is a full version of the story entitled, My Name is Tani… and I Believe in Miracles: the Amazing True Story of One Boy’s Journey From Refugee to Chess Champion. This version is written by Tani, his parents, Kayode and Oluwtoyin Adewumi and Craig Borlase. This story is one that will be loved by all ages, just pick the edition right for you. Tani and his family will quickly steal a place in your heart. Their story is one of fulfilling the American dream and being able to give back. These books provide a great opportunity to talk as a whole family about hope and dreams and how hard work can lead to success.

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What would you do if you had to leave everything behind?

By the end of 2025, more than 117.8 million people worldwide had been forcibly displaced by war, persecution, or human rights abuses — and 45 million of them are children.

They arrive in refugee camps and countries seeking safety and carrying little: legal papers, if they're lucky. A backpack. A child's hand in theirs.

What they carry that we can't see is heavier: fractured families, homes they'll never return to, professions they loved, friends and relatives they may never see again.

In a climate where immigrant stories are often ignored or twisted, we believe stories are a form of justice. When someone shares what they survived, they reclaim their voice. When we amplify it through film, photography, and advocacy, the world listens. Hearts soften. Policy begins to shift.

Because when a lawmaker sees a person instead of a statistic, and a neighbor understands instead of fears, rebuilding becomes possible.

Your support helps us share these stories where they matter most.

— Kristen Smith Dayley, Executive Director, Their Story is Our Story

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