IN THE NEWS

Manhattan Council race heats up with entrance of refugee turned migrant advocate

“I am the example of what New York stands for: that somebody can come here and create a life for themselves,” Okporo told Gothamist in an interview ahead of his announcement Wednesday

By Giulia Heyward

Edafe, wearing a colorful jacket with his hands spread open, black pants, and brown sneakers, is speaking at Old Broadway in Manhattanville, West Harlem. Behind him is a mural displaying Malcolm X and other Black leaders.

Edafe Okporo, a Gay Nigerian Refugee, Could Be the First Former Asylum Seeker Elected to the NYC Council

“When we take opportunities from the most marginalized people in our society, we’re taking opportunities from all of us,” he says. “If migrants come in as dishwashers or restaurant workers, their children will get to be doctors. That is, we integrate as New Yorkers. What the mayor and other members of the City Council are trying to do is to strip us of who we are: a melting pot.”

ByNICO LANG

Edafe at a campaign stop, holding a microphone at Suite Bar with a rainbow backdrop, Pride flags draped alongside the NYC flag. He is wearing a blue shirt, ash-colored pants, and a rainbow pin in honor of Pride Month.

NYC Council candidate advocates for LGBTQ refugees

They say representation is one of the best ways to lift up issues. We don’t have anyone in city hall right now who has an understanding of what it is to come to America and build a life in New York City. I hope to bring that diversity and perspective to city council,”

ByErkki Forster