While Michael Pinball Clemons’ legendary football career with the Toronto Argonauts made him a household name and a Canadian icon, his focus at Scotiabank’s Black History Month event in Toronto was far from the field. Instead, it was about embracing meaningful action when fostering inclusion.
“You know, we all want to be seen, noticed, appreciated, respected and loved,” said Clemons. “And that takes action.”
Black History Month (BHM) is recognized annually in February across Canada and the U.S. to celebrate the rich history, achievements and contributions of Black People. This year Scotiabank’s theme was Black Excellence – a celebration of achievements and contributions of Black communities worldwide.
Clemons embodies that excellence, not just as a football legend, but as a community leader and philanthropist.
From football star to philanthropic leader
Clemons’ achievements on the field range from former all-star running back, Grey Cup winning coach, and President and CEO of the Toronto Argos. However, his off-the-field contributions through the Pinball Foundation, which provides disadvantaged youth with educational resources and mentorship, are equally, if not more, impactful.
His address in Toronto focused less on his athletic achievements and more on the lessons that shaped his journey, including the influence of his mother. “When we speak to my success, it’s really our success,” Clemons said.
Raised by a single mother in Dunedin, Fla., Clemons credits his mother with instilling the values that guide his life. She broke barriers as the first person of colour to hold an administrative position for the city and later served as the supervisor of the utility billings department for 30 years, all while raising Clemons.
“She fostered a discipline in me that worked,” he said. “Education was primary, and philanthropy was central in our household, even when we didn't have much.”
The self-proclaimed “mama’s boy” shared how his mother’s influence and hard work kept him grounded, leading to a disciplined life, free from drinking or smoking. “I was pretty boring… I just followed the rules, and that discipline became my foundation.”
Turning setbacks into opportunities
Clemons' journey wasn't without its challenges. After being cut from the Kansas City Chiefs early in his career, he faced uncertainty about his future. But adversity, he explained, became a crucial teacher for him. “Adversity in life is guaranteed,” Clemons said. “Adversity often becomes our greatest cheerleader because it challenges us to do better and be more intentional.”
Moving beyond football, Clemons became a passionate advocate for community leadership and philanthropy. As a spokesperson for organizations like the Special Olympics and Easter Seals, he realized the need to consolidate his efforts for potentially greater impact.
“I was out of the house a lot and with a young family. I knew I needed to find focus,” he explained. That focus led to the creation of the Pinball Foundation, which now mentors more than 1,000 young people annually, guiding them into careers and trades, IT and administration. The foundation also provides scholarships for 110 students covering everything from books and tuition to mentorship.
Earning a personal PHD
Clemons introduced his philosophy of a personal PHD, an acronym for being positive, humble, and disciplined. “I've always been a positive person,” he said. “But I never truly understood what it meant until I realized that neutral is negative. It's positive or nothing. Halfway is not good enough.” He emphasized that we can’t be complacent, we have to take real action. He used the example of urging his young daughters, who had each other to play with, to approach and include children who might have been lonely at the playground.
Tim Clark, Group Head and Chief Information Officer at Scotiabank, in conversation with Clemons.
In-person audience at Scotiabank’s Black History Month event in Toronto.
Drummers at the Toronto event.
Clemons in the audience during the event.
Partnering with Scotiabank
Scotiabank supports the Pinball Foundation’s “Foundations in Administration Micro-credential Program” hosted at George Brown College. The program removes barriers to career advancement for youth in the GTA by providing career-relevant mentorship, training, internship and full-time employment opportunities. The partnership is part of ScotiaRISE, the Bank’s 10-year, $500-million commitment and community investment initiative designed to promote economic resilience and help people reach their potential.
Clemons emphasized that his foundation's mission is rooted in values of humility and service passed down from his mother. “I didn't even want my name on the foundation,” he admitted. He explained it was part of his upbringing to help others anonymously.
Clemons’ words serve as a timely reminder that Black History Month is more than reflecting on the past, it's also a call to action for building a more inclusive future. A commitment that both Clemons and Scotiabank proudly stand behind.
Scotiabank is also a proud sponsor of the BFUTR Global Tech Summit, the leading conference for Black Technology professionals. BFUTR features networking sessions, insightful industry panels and innovative workshops. Throughout the conference, Black leaders from across several organizations lead workshops, and participate in panel discussions.
MD Financial Management and Scotiabank are also partners of the Black Medical Students' Association of Canada (BMSAC), a national organization that strives to increase representation of Black students in Canadian medical schools, while advocating for more inclusive medical training to better equip students to serve the healthcare needs of Black communities across Canada.
