Adam Massiah
Words are important to Adam Massiah.
As a kid, he penned poetry to “confide my struggles,” then wrote and performed songs professionally as a hip-hop artist.
Now, at age 27, the computer technology graduate is leader of United Black People's Allyship, clearly articulating his own and others' experiences with racism while seeking real change.
Racism, says Massiah, is just “part of life” for Black people, something learned as a four-yearold playing hockey, when a white child shot a comment his way.
“I told my dad; he talked to the kid's parents. Right then I knew it wasn't something you accept.”
Playing hockey till age 21, the rink “was the one place you were allowed to defend yourself.”
But with self-confidence instilled by his parents to “stand up — for myself, for someone else” — Massiah also learned the whole world's not a hockey arena.
“If you fight back, as a Black male, you'll be the one going to jail in handcuffs.
“I learned composure, to articulate instead of using fists. I listen to anyone's opinion — even if I don't agree. It helps sharpen my perspective.”
Last year, after speaking up at the first Black Lives Matter protest against police brutality, he joined other participants to form UBPA.
Massiah was also front and centre at city council's public hearing on systemic racism.
His scheduled five minutes ended up being a 45-minute conversation with councillors.
Massiah cites many things to be proud of last year: his dad sharing his own stories of racism in the Calgary Herald; of anti-racism program funding; of people joining together in a time of uncertainty, to learn they're not alone.
This year, he hopes to launch a delayed international career in computer software sales, continue recording local artists, and participate in anti-racism initiatives pushing for systemic and legislative changes while keeping the conversation going.
“These issues are so massive it can feel like throwing a rock at a tank. If I get upset or sad, that turns into anger. That becomes motivation.”