The power of story to redefine a community | Aboubacarr Bah | TEDxTrafford

Key Concepts

• Narrative Control: The power of shaping one's own story and resisting externally imposed labels.
• Media Representation: The disproportionate and negative portrayal of Black males in British media.
• Systemic Barriers: The obstacles faced by marginalized communities in accessing opportunities within industries like film.
• Community Empowerment: Building self-sufficient structures to create change from within.
• Media Literacy: The ability to critically analyze and create media content.
• Ethical Storytelling: Representing communities authentically and responsibly.

The Weight of the Script: Rewriting Narratives for Black Males in Britain

This presentation by Abu Baka Adam, a Gambian filmmaker based in Manchester (referred to as “Mosside”), addresses the pervasive negative stereotypes surrounding Black males in Britain and advocates for reclaiming narrative control through community-led media production. The core argument centers on the damaging impact of biased media representation and the necessity of building independent platforms to tell authentic stories.

I. The Problem: A Distorted Lens

Baka begins by highlighting the disproportionately negative portrayal of Black boys and men in British news media. A Cardiff University study revealed that 70% of news stories concerning this demographic focus on gang violence and knife crime, a stark contrast to the 40% for young people generally. He argues this isn’t simply a matter of context, but a deliberate “costume” of stereotypes imposed upon Black males, shaping public perception before any individual interaction. He describes Mosside, his community, not as a place of danger, but as a vibrant, diverse hub of culture, faith, and community life – a reality rarely reflected in mainstream media.

He emphasizes the importance of representation, stating that a “narrow lens distorts the world” it portrays. This distortion is further compounded by a lack of diversity within the media industry itself, with 70% of senior film staff originating from white privileged backgrounds. This creates a significant barrier to entry and ensures that stories reaching the screen remain limited in scope and perspective.

II. From Scanning to Seeing: A Personal Journey

Baka recounts his own experience of being “scanned” rather than “seen” upon returning to the UK from Gambia. He felt reduced to a statistic, a box ticked, rather than recognized as an individual with inherent worth. This realization, however, didn’t lead to anger but to a sense of purpose. He chose to pick up a camera, not as an instrument of violence, but as a “weapon of truth,” a tool to see and portray himself and his community as his parents saw them: “powerful, worthy, strong.”

III. Building Our Own House: The Birth of Our Studios

Baka’s initial foray into filmmaking began with a £2,000 grant from his university, which he used to create the documentary The Success of Mosside. Despite a “shoestring budget” and reliance on volunteers, the project gained significant traction, featuring on ITV and the BBC, and culminating in a premiere event with 1,200 attendees.

However, Baka observed that even this success didn’t translate into lasting change. Meetings with parliamentarians regarding youth violence and gender-based harm yielded little progress beyond “another box ticked.” This prompted a shift in strategy: “If no one was going to open these doors, we were going to go there and open them and kick them down ourselves.” This led to the founding of Our Studios, a community-rooted production company focused on ethical, educational, and authentic storytelling. The studio aims to foster media literacy and empower young people to “take back control of their own narratives.”

IV. Inspiration and Philosophical Underpinnings

Baka draws inspiration from Muhammad Ali, praising his ability to communicate with both poetic grace and unwavering conviction. He quotes Ali, stating, “Words when spoken can fly like butterflies, but when landed with truth can sting like a bee.” This highlights the power of language and the importance of truthful representation.

He also references Audrey Lorde’s powerful statement: “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.” He explains that this philosophy guided the creation of Our Studios, emphasizing the need to build independent structures rather than seeking change within existing, inherently biased systems. He frames his work as holding a “mirror” to his community, reflecting “resilience, beauty and brilliance.”

V. A Statistic of Hope: The Call to Action

Baka concludes by positioning himself not as a statistic of crime, but as a “statistic of hope.” He emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-determination. He challenges the audience to “pick up a pen” and rewrite their own stories, asserting that “the next chapter belongs to you.”

This presentation is a powerful call for narrative sovereignty, advocating for a shift from being defined by external forces to actively shaping one’s own identity and future through community-led media production and authentic storytelling. It underscores the critical role of representation, the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities, and the transformative potential of empowering young people with the tools to control their own narratives.