Messiah Ramkissoon
Associate Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Community Partnerships, Youth Justice Network
Messiah Ramkissoon is a Trinidadian born Poet and Hip-Hop artist who migrated to the United States at the age of 11, firstly the DMV then later New York City. As former state "Youth of The Year" for Boys and Girls Clubs of Maryland and Greater Washington, Messiah was awarded a $25,000 scholarship on the Oprah show at the age of 15 which was the catalyst for his later enrollment then graduation from Howard University. It was there that he went on to become a three-time consecutive champion on the nationally televised “Showtime at the Apollo”. Messiah has toured with Grammy artist Kelly Price; shared stages with artists such as Janelle Monae, Styles P, Wale, Lupe Fiasco, David Banner, Chris Brown, Raheem DeVaughn and many other catalysts from within the culture…
Formerly battling challenges with the US Immigration and Justice system due to his international origin, Messiah used his disadvantages as motivation.
He has graced stages from the world-renowned Kennedy Center with Patti Labelle, performed alongside The National Symphony Orchestra to college campuses across the country. Messiah has been highlighted among Black Enterprise's Top 100 "BE Modern Men." He is the founder of "Black Fathers Are Necessary" inspired by his song "Black Fathers." He serves as the Associate Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Community Partnerships at Youth Justice Network, a NYC non-profit providing intervention and resources to support 16-24-year-old youth impacted by incarceration on Rikers Island and other detention facilities in New York State. Prior to such, he provided mentorship and support to young people in jails within Maryland and Washington, DC. Messiah Ramkissoon is a servant to change who finds joy empowering the greatness in others.