Olivia Gross Photo
Atkinson with raffle winner Danny.
Tanaya Atkinson braved the heat -– and not the basketball team -– to give back to New Haven kids getting ready to return to school.
Atkinson, 26, hosted the second annual Tanaya Takesover Transformerz Back 2 School Give Back, where she sponsored free haircuts for 32 kids, as well as backpacks, science toys, vouchers for more free haircuts, and healthful snacks. (Click here to read about last year’s event.) She signed photos outside of Whalley Avenue’s Transformerz Barbershop, which had five barbers on hand to cut the kids’ hair. There was also a bouncy house and bumping music spun by DJ Easy.
Atkinson's booth, stocked with fruit and healthful snacks (only food that she herself would eat), school supplies, and signed photos.
Atkinson said she wanted to do something more involved with her community than solely giving money or supplies. She wanted to share space with the kids — And get away from basketball for an afternoon. “It’s different to really be with the community here, in the heat,” she said.
Lashaunda Roberts read about Atkinson on Facebook and immediately showed a posting to her son, Cayden, who plays basketball. “We’re giving them someone to look up to,” she said.
Cayden said he wants to be a pro basketball player, but if that doesn’t work out he’ll play pro football or just be athletic in general, he said. “I will start to look up to her. It’s inspirational that she spent money on this and us,” Cayden said.
Cayden, future pro baller.
Raffle prizes.
Atkinson is gearing up to head back to Spain for her fifth year playing professional ball there. She started playing as a kid at Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School. She graduated from Career High School and went on to play Division I at Temple University. From there, Atkinson signed on with the Washington Mystics and most recently played in Spain for four years – two years with Lenovo Tenerife and two years with CB Vic. She plans on playing pro for as long as she can, she said.
Mom Tammika Atkinson-Green, Atkinson, and Downerat event.
Jayce Smith returns to the event for the second time, still grateful for the basketball Atkinson gave him last year.
Transformerz owner Levon “Majesty” Whitaker said he was happy to host the event again for Atkinson, a close friend. He said that the kids’ parents are the most appreciative of this event. Haircuts for kids at Transformerz are usually $25. “People need help. I’m not ashamed to say it,” Whitaker said. “I’m glad to help out and be a blessing for others.”
Andrea Downer, Atkinson’s proud aunt, spoke of how “the family has a tradition to give back. She’s really exemplifying how she was raised and what she represents.”
Tanaya and her family have always given back and shared their success with the community. Good people. Very sincere. Congratulations!