Aboubacarr Bah

The power of story to redefine a community

In Reclaiming the Narrative: The Power of Story to Redefine a Community, Aboubacarr Bah explores how stories shape identity, influence perception, and determine whose voices are valued. Drawing on lived experience, he reflects on how communities are often defined by deficit-based narratives that overlook resilience, talent, and potential. He argues that reclaiming the power of storytelling is essential to challenging stereotypes and reshaping how communities are seen both from the outside and within. Through personal reflection and social insight, the talk highlights how authentic stories can disrupt limiting labels, restore dignity, and create new possibilities for individuals and communities alike. The talk ultimately calls for a shift in perspective: from narratives imposed on communities to stories told by them unlocking agency, pride, and collective resilience. Baka Bah is a film producer who leverages cinema as a means to shift perceptions and open hearts. A second-year film student at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), he is diligent in his pursuit of compelling narratives. Baka has worked on numerous projects, from documenting the work of local organisations in Manchester to amplifying the voices of the city’s artists. He is the founder and director of See No Evil Studio, a Community Interest Company (CIC) established to reclaim local storytelling from larger media organisations—entities that have consistently demonstrated neither the skill nor the ethical commitment required to honour their subjects. The studio’s debut long-form documentary, The Success of Moss Side, Produced by Bah and Directed by Elmi Ali seeks to reframe the infamous and hotly contested narrative of this neighbourhood through the eyes of those who call it home. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx