At just 12 years old, Saily Bah has proven herself to be a beacon of resilience and empowerment for the Black community.
Saily has proven that even the youngest voices can drive meaningful change!
After facing racism in school, Saily channeled her pain into purpose, writing and illustrating her book, Rise Above: How to Turn a Negative Situation into a Positive One.
The book, which began as a speech, addresses the universal challenges of discrimination while offering tools to cope and overcome.
“I wanted to make something that people around the world could benefit from,” Saily shared during an interview. Her message, “Never let anyone dim your light,” resonates with readers of all ages.
Saily’s artistic talent, which started at age 7, is the foundation of her entrepreneurial venture, Saily’s Swag.
Through vibrant, diversity-focused creations, she seeks to fill gaps in representation across media.
“I wasn’t seeing lots of that on TV, scrolling through my phone, or in books,” she explained.
Her family plays a central role in her journey. Collaborating with her mother, Rohey Sallah, who runs the Gambian cuisine business Bah Kunda, Saily’s artwork is often displayed alongside her mom’s spice blends at events in Des Moines, Iowa.
Together, they embody a shared mission of unity and empowerment.
For Saily, art and activism are intertwined. From uplifting young girls who feel underestimated to addressing social injustices, her work is a testament to the power of self-expression.
As she continues to inspire, Saily’s message is clear: “Nobody can tell you what to do. You’ve got to draw your own path.”
