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The Promise of America: Belong Begins with Us
Many people have a dream of America. For them, the American story is a beacon of hope for the destitute, a shining light to the world. America is not just a country of immigrants. America is a place of refuge for millions of people looking for an opportunity to dream, to build a life for themselves and future generations.
For us to actualize that vision of America for all 300+ million people, we have to create a society where the most vulnerable of us have a sense of belonging.
No true democracy can survive without a middle class, but the best democracy cares about people who fall below the middle class. Edafe brings personal experience as an African, a gay man, and a refugee who experienced homelessness and now running an organization supporting people experiencing hardship.
Home is Joy: Imagine A Society That is a Bridge to All
Edafe tells the stories of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons who dare to flee their homes in search of safety. Since the onset of the pandemic, we’ve seen that no one has an idea of what will happen tomorrow.
We can see that recurring theme. Tomorrow for anyone can be like that of the persons we are trying to protect today.
Creating Psychological Safety: What's Your Coming Out Story?
A survivor of trauma, beaten and persecuted for being courageous to be himself, fighting for an opportunity for his friends and younger self to live in freedom, Edafe shares tips on coming out in the workplace and creating psychological safety in the workplace for LGBTQ people, refugees, and minorities.
Edafe is the author of the book, ASYLUM: A Memoir and Manifesto he brings a personal commitment to his Refugee work and the premise of the book: that home is not where you feel safe and welcome only but also how you make others feel safe and welcome.
Edafe Okporo was born in Warri, Nigeria. He migrated to the United States in 2016 as an asylum seeker and is now a refugee of the United States. Edafe is a global gay rights activist, the founder of Refuge America Inc, and one of the country’s most visible voices on the issue of displacement, leading an organization with a vision to “strengthen as a place of welcome for LGBTQ displaced people.” A graduate of Enugu State University and the school of Business at NYU, he currently lives in New York City.
Edafe is among the inaugural winners of the David Prize, which honors individuals with bold visions for creating a better and brighter New York City. He is also a Logo 30 Honoree. He lives in New York City. Edafe has spoken to leaders at the United Nations, business and state conferences.
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