In her compelling TEDx talk titled “Soo Dhawoow: Reimagining Futures Through Somali Storytelling,” Aliya Ahmed-Mohamoud explores the transformative power of narrative within the Somali community. Drawing on her own experiences, Ahmed-Mohamoud highlights how storytelling serves as a bridge between generations, enabling the preservation of cultural heritage and identity amidst a rapidly changing world. She emphasizes the need for Somali voices to be amplified, showcasing how stories can inspire resilience and foster a sense of belonging. Through vivid anecdotes and collaborative storytelling, Ahmed-Mohamoud invites the audience to embrace the richness of Somali tales, encouraging individuals to envision new futures grounded in shared histories. This thought-provoking talk not only celebrates Somali culture but also encourages a broader understanding of diverse narratives in shaping inclusive societies. Join Ahmed-Mohamoud as she reimagines the future through the lens of powerful storytelling, urging viewers to recognize the potential of their own stories in driving social change.
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Author Video Description
What gets lost when some knowledge is deemed more valuable than others? Aliya explores how communities have always held the tools to imagine, share, and shape the future. A Somali-Canadian storyteller and designer who focuses on the intersection of community knowledge, Afrofuturism, and strategic foresight. Drawing on lived cultural experience, she challenges dominant futures frameworks by centering Black diasporic oral traditions as powerful and legitimate tools for imagining more inclusive futures. 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
About TEDxTalks
TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “Soo Dhawoow: Reimagining Futures Through Somali Storytelling | Aliya Ahmed-Mohamoud | TEDxOCADU” was uploaded on 08/07/2026 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks