In 2018, Balarama gained political notoriety by winning the support of 22 Montrealers to force the municipal government of Montreal to launch a public inquiry into systemic racism and discrimination in the city. This led him to found Montreal in Action, a grassroots organization that promotes education and civic participation as a way to address systemic racism, equality, inclusion and justice in Montreal.

Originally from Montreal, Balarama Holness is a social entrepreneur and a former professional football player for the Montreal Alouettes, with whom he won the Gray Cup in 2010. Education being his source of power, Balarama obtained five diplomas, including a Masters of Education from the University of New Brunswick and a Juris Doctor (JD) and Bachelor of Civil Laws (BCL) from McGill University.

In 2021, Balarama announced his candidacy for mayor of Montreal under the aegis of a new community-led political party, the Montreal Movement. In 2022, HarperCollins will publish Balarama's memoir, which will chronicle his journey from an ashram in West Virginia to becoming a leader in Montreal.