Profile: Balarama Holness in Action

Fifteen years ago Balarama Holness was a member of the 2006 Gee-Gees football team which hoisted the Yates Cup. Now he is a prominent anti-racism advocate who just completed his third degree.

Recently profiled by the New York Times and CTV's W5, among others, he is gaining a reputation as a leading voice in current and future politics in Quebec and Canada. 

Bilingual and biracial, Holness also had two names at uOttawa. On the football team he was listed as Steven – a name he was "given" by a high school teacher in a misguided effort to assimilate him.

But on the Gee-Gees track and field team he ran as Balarama, representing uOttawa at the national championships in 2008 as a member of the 4x200m relay team, and placing fourth in the 300m at the OUA championships that year.

His speed, and tenacity, garnered him CFL contracts with Winnipeg and Montreal where he was a member of the Grey Cup champions in 2010. Following his pro football career Balarama threw himself back into his education. In addition to completing his Bachelor of Education from uOttawa, he earned a Master's of Education from UNB and recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Law at McGill.

Balarama Holness is still running – he runs Montreal in Action, a non-profit organization which mobilizes Montrealers to take action on key issues surrounding systemic racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. And he is expected to enter the 2021 election, running for office in his home city for the second time.

"I will be participating in the next municipal election," Holness confirmed to the Montreal Gazette recently. "All options remain on the table in regards to running for mayor of Montreal, borough councillor or city councillor." 

With Montreal in Action, Holness spearheaded grass-roots efforts that pushed Montreal's City Hall to hold public consultations on systemic racism, resulting in a 252-page report which recommended changes in city governance and policing policy. "I knew that we were on the side of justice," says Holness in a Montreal in Action video.

"Democracy is about believing in yourself, standing up for a cause, mobilizing others, and advancing justice. That's who we are at Montreal in action."

Keep your eyes on Balarama Holness – he's making things happen.

*Note, the Gee-Gees recognized Holness on its wall of football team alumni who have played in the CFL, but used the name Steven Holness. Varsity Athletics will be replacing his name plate after approaching Holness in fall of 2020.