Eyes on the Horizon by Balarama Holness

A former football champion's engrossing personal story of spirituality and rebellion, and an inspiring call to action against systemic racism.

The son of a Jamaican father and a Quebecois mother, Balarama Holness spent his earliest, most formative years on an ashram in West Virginia, learning the principles of equity and austerity, which would guide him through life. It wasn't until he returned to Montreal at age ten with his mother and twin brother that he encountered virulent racism for the first time. Faced with a system that seemed stacked against him, Holness initially fell between the cracks.

Eyes on the Horizonis Holness's story of lifting himself up through the power of self-determination, spirituality and no small amount of rebellion to confront the systemic racism of his city and his country. He accomplished this first through football, going all the way to a Grey Cup championship, and later through activism and politics.

Holness's personal journey is connected to the social history of Canada, Quebec and the United States. Committed to reshaping society as we know it, he uses lessons from his own life to teach others about racism past and present, and to help people better understand how human beings should live and how to build a truly peaceful and just society for our children. (FromHarperCollins)

• 70 works of Canadian nonfiction to check out in spring 2023

Balarama Holness is a former defensive back for the Montreal Alouettes. He won the Grey Cup with the Alouettes in 2010. Holness is also an activist and community organizer, focusing on systemic racism, justice, equality and inclusion.

Interviews withBalarama Holness

Seat at the Table31:48A Fearless Future with Saron Gebresellassi + Balarama Holness

Martine and Isabelle meet Torontos Saron Gebresellassi and Montreals Balarama Holness, two aspiring mayors using the law and municipal politics to fearlessly create a future free of systemic racism.

Meet the candidate: Balarama Holness

3 years ago

Duration 2:27

Newcomer Balarama Holness is pushing his alternative vision for the city as he takes on two former mayors, Valrie Plante and Denis Coderre.