The Power of Narrative: Why Storytelling Matters in Public Health

The Power of Narrative: Why Storytelling Matters in Public Health 

Storytelling is universal to the human experience; all cultures tell stories, whether that is through spoken word, written language, or illustrations. Stories can be told for entertainment, to share information, or to educate. The practice can bridge the divide between communities and individuals, help to make connections between lived experiences, and create the opportunity for more empathy. Where does storytelling fit in to public health? Can the power of narrative translate to public health education, practice, advocacy, and activism? Join David Fakunle, PhD '18, as he discusses why storytelling is a distinct pillar in public health that doesn't exist in other systems, why we need storytelling, and where it can take us. 

David Fakunle, PhD, is a “mercenary for change,” employing any skill and occupying any space to help elevate everyone divested from their truest self. Fakunle serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Florida and Associate Faculty at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He additionally serves as Chair of the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the first state-level body in the U.S. chronicling and bringing justice to racial terror lynchings. He received his PhD from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2018.