Ahmed Ali is also known as Knowmadic in the community. He is an educator, artist, entrepreneur and a community advocate. He migrated to Canada when he was 8 years old from Mogadishu in Somalia. English is his third language. His super powers are kindness, critical thinking and an unwavering desire to do better. He is the co-founder of Edmonton’s only spoken word collective: Breath in Poetry. LCCMedia is grateful to Knowmadic and his team for taking the time to do this Q/A.
Tell us a little bit about you
My name is Ahmed Ali, but I am known as Knowmadic in the community. I am an educator, artist, entrepreneur and dedicated community advocate. I came to Canada when I was 8 years old and English is my third language. My wife Ashley is a hard-working nurse and we have two beautiful children together, both under the age of five. I am extremely passionate about the arts and community service and look for any opportunity to combine the two.
Why Politics
My time working with different levels of government and nonprofit organizations has made it abundantly clear that representation is extremely important. Lived experience is crucial when it comes to understanding the needs of different communities. I believe that privilege includes access to information and opportunity, and unfortunately, most communities that I work with lack both of those things. I’m passionate about ward tastawiyiniwak and helping the residents who call it home. I’m not looking for a job; I’m looking to become a city councillor to advocate for the residents who live on the northside.
What are your super power/s in respect to the position you are seeking? How are you prepared for the mandate you are seeking?
My superpowers are kindness, critical thinking, an unwavering desire to know more and to do better. Over the last 10 years, I have built many relationships with community organizations and individuals. Through that experience, I have learned to view every failed attempt at another opportunity to do better. From my time on the Law Enforcement Review Board, to fighting for equity on the Edmonton Arts Council, and working directly with youth, I have a wide range of knowledge and experience to be your next city councillor.
Do you find time to read? May I ask what the last book you read was?
The last book I read was called Things Fall Apart, written by Chinua Achebe. I also read daily with and for my two daughters.
Can you describe the Edmonton you see?
I see an inclusive and accessible Edmonton that is representative of the population it serves. An Edmonton that leads by example. A city that empowers both individuals and neighbourhoods and helps them with the challenges they are facing. I strive for an Edmonton that fosters competition and rewards passion and progress.
What kind of business barriers will you eliminate at Council?
Businesses need support to get going after the pandemic. What will you do for the business?
I know many business owners are trying to pick up the pieces from the many closures they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. From closures to extra costs and juggling staff, we know businesses are suffering. My first step as city councillor would be to listen to business owners to learn more about what type of action would help them recover from the pandemic. I’m determined to find unique, well informed approaches to those challenges. As an entrepreneur, I am aware of the financial barriers associated with starting and maintaining a business. We need to empower entrepreneurs and connect them with the resources and support they need to thrive. Additionally, I will also work towards strategies that would prevent similar complications or problems in the future. Local businesses not only inject jobs into our economy, they are what make Edmonton and ward tastawiyiniwak a great place to call home.
Homelessness and drug addiction are big problems for Edmonton and your ward. What are your strategies to solve these problems?
The best strategy to combat homeless and addiction is prevention. Providing affordable housing, early childhood education, mental health resources and better transit lead us in that direction. We know access to affordable housing provides stability, consistency, higher rates of economic participation and security for individuals and families to thrive. I will connect and learn from the many organizations who are at the front line to identify how the City could best support their efforts.
