MEET EDAFE OKPORO

Growing up, Edafe and his family lived in a one-bedroom apartment, where he believed education was the key to escaping poverty. As the first in his family to earn a college degree, Edafe worked hard to build a brighter future. However, living in a country with laws persecuting LGBTQ+ individuals, he became a victim of mob violence and fled to the United States in search of safety.

Arriving in New York as an asylum seeker, Edafe faced homelessness but never lost his determination. His own struggles inspired him to lead New York’s first shelter for asylum seekers, dedicating his life to helping others and building a city that welcomes everyone—all while writing his memoir, Asylum, and earning a master’s degree from NYU.

In 2021, Edafe joined the Biden Administration Operation Allies Welcome, helping to resettle 55,000 Afghan refugees across the country, and later founded the organization Refuge America, which assists LGBTQ asylum-seekers.

An organizer at heart, Edafe believes leadership is about bringing people together to advocate for the community and standing up for those most in need. He and his husband are active members of the neighborhood, attending the Unitarian Church and gardening with neighbors at the Wicked Friendship Garden on W. 150th Street. During the pandemic, Edafe found joy and connection in gardening, forming lifelong friendships and strengthening his commitment to community.

Now, Edafe running a grassroots campaign to fight for affordable housing, immigrant integration, accessible health care, and a safer city—while rejecting corporate PACs and real estate developer donations to put his constituents first.

Together, we thrive!