LIFE & LEGACY

Bright Eli Sarfo (also known as Papa Yao, an honored day name) was born in Brooklyn, New York on Thursday, March 5, 1981, to Bright O. Sarfo, Sr. and Denise Ocean. He was the eldest son of three children. At the age of three, his parents divorced and at the age of eight, he went to live with his father at 2829 Sedgwick Ave., Bronx, NY, which was filled with many profound memories including the formation of the Core 4, Bukola Omishore, Erik Thompson, Edgar Duncan and of course Bright. Overtime, he also became the Ocean family President of all things.

Bright would reflect on his upbringing with his father as a time where he learned hardwork, valuing education and family, and the full embrace of his Ghanaian heritage. When Bright was around 13 years old, his sister Gifty came to live with them, and he was her biggest champion and protector. Like most brothers and sisters, they fought and argued but no matter what, Bright was there with an encouraging thought and comforting hug.

Bright started his educational journey at P.S. 86 Elementary School where he was somewhat a character and not too focused on schoolwork. It was discovered during this time that he was in dire need of glasses which then at least allowed him to see the work he was to focus on. Bright then matriculated to JHS 143 where he continued developing his character and growing through what he described as an awkward phase. At Alfred E. Smith High School, he gained many vocational skills, particularly electrical, that he utilized throughout his life. He knew the world awaited him beyond The Bronx and journeyed to Stonybrook University to pursue his undergraduate education.

There he met more lifelong friends and slowly began to blossom out of his awkward phase letting go of his “S curl” and unveiling his award-winning smile post braces.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Bright moved on to his master’s and then doctorate in social work policy and research at Columbia University. He began his research career as a research fellow with the Social Intervention Group. After his fellowship, he stepped out on his own and engaged the Center for Urban Families to begin development of the DADMap curriculum. After making his way on his own for a while, he decided to join MEF Associates where his career and research truly began to flourish. Over his eight years at MEF, Bright authored countless papers & reports, led numerous projects, and presented at many different conferences. He was very proud of his work furthering equity and resources for Black fathers and families. His contributions to the literature and landscape has become part of his unique legacy.

Bright and Aisha met in February of 2009 at Columbia University School of Social Work. Aisha was hosting a panel on Black love and relationships and requested that the administrator recommend some Black men in the school to be on the panel. Bright’s name was offered and after a brief email exchange he agreed to attend. The panel was a success and in Bright fashion he brought his boys to support him and everything he said. A few months later, they would meet again at the Social Work end of year social. While they danced and flirted, their love began to blossom that night, and they sat and talked until the sun came up. The following weekend they went on their first date to a comedy club where again they spent most of the night talking about their lives, values, and interests.