Produced by: Michelle Stiber
Dr. Omar Bah, founder of the Refugee Dream Center in Providence, Rhode Island, uses his experiences as a Gambian refugee to help others rebuild their lives in America. Founded in 2015, the organization connects refugees with resources, education, and a supportive community while working to raise awareness about the challenges they face. Through his advocacy and documentary “Unbowed,” Bah reflects on his journey of resilience, family and belonging. His work emphasizes the importance of education, human connection and understanding, encouraging Americans to support refugees and the organizations serving them.
RDC’s main goal is connecting refugees to people that create a sense of belonging. Bah wants refugees that are starting over in a new country to know that they are part of a community, a family.
Bah’s family, both blood and the family he has created in his journeys, play a fundamental part in his accomplishments and aspirations.
In 2015, Dr. Omar Bah founded the Refugee Dream Center, which strives to create a sense of family and belonging for refugees that find themselves isolated and away from the people they love.
The roots of Bah’s own experiences as a Gambian refugee run deep in the aspirations of RDC in providing information and access to resources for refugees.
Dr. Omar Bah continues to fight for a better tomorrow and better experiences for refugees.
To support the Refugee Dream Center, or to access the resources they provide, please visit their website.
In 2017, Bah had the opportunity to travel back to his home in Gambia after a decade-long exile. There, he and his team filmed part of his recent documentary, “Unbowed.”
The film was an opportunity for him and his family to slow down and reflect on the past decade of their lives: the violence, the asylum, the opportunities, the fight for a better America and a better Rhode Island.
Bah puts a strong emphasis on education when he talks to young refugees, relaying how education was a vital part of his journey and everything he has accomplished.
In addition to the importance Bah sees in educating the refugees he crosses paths with, he feels strongly about the urgency of educating Americans on how to aid refugees and understanding what they experience.
Contributors:
Writer: Michelle Stiber
Editor: Michelle Stiber
Communities of Hope Civic Media,
WQRI 88.3 FM,
Roger Williams University Student Radio
Contributers:
Abby Stark
Addison Mason
Alana Lemene
Alex Tavaglione
Alexa Benson-Amarante
Aliyah Goulette-Brown
Ana Dwyer
Anashyah Bell
Anna Pellegrini
Ashlyn Keating
Brenna Medeiros
Brianna Frissora
Caroline Fils-Aime
Catalina Hortelano
Claire Davis
Colin McKay
Dayvey Gordon
Edith Hills
Elizabeth Chant
Ella Lebet
Emma O’Neill
Eric Tech
Fatima Rasuly
Gabby Iocca
Gökdeniz Tingur
Haylee Silva
Jack Dealy
Jacob Barber
Jillian Dorf
Joshua Geaughan
JT Lawrence
Kali Blackerby
Kate Tortolini
Kayley Dias
Ludjina Fleurival
Macayla McDonald
Mackenzie Wolfe
Mason Caserta
Mason Desimone
Matthew Guaman
McKalah Gaine
Meghan Harvey
Michelle Stiber
Mikayla Hudon
Molly Stinchfield
Naja Young
RJ Rood
Rachel Cabral
Rebecca Scheffler
Roslyn Iaderosa
Sarah Price
Shania Brown
Skye Merrow
Zehra Atay