Because of his godfather's urging, Alimi ("Ali-me") Ballard joined MindBuilders, a local New York community center dedicated to the empowerment of youth, and was cast in a play called "No Laughing Matter." Weeks later, he found himself touring New York's inner-city libraries, community centers and elementary and high schools. He soon set his sights on a professional career and came to perform with such notable theater companies as the Manhattan Theater Club and the National Black Theater, were he starred in acclaimed productions of "Holiday Heart" and "Endangered Species."

Ballard's credits are extensive and tell the tale of a seasoned performer, and his presence has been felt on television, stage and screen.

• Automatic (2001) .... David Blake
• Before Now (2001) .... Jay
• "Dark Angel" (2000) TV Series .... Herbal Thought ... aka "James Cameron's Dark Angel" (2000) (USA)
• Men of Honor (2000) .... Coke
• Little Richard (2000) (TV)
• Deep Impact (1998) .... Bobby Rhue
• "Arsenio" (1997) TV Series .... Matthew
• "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" (1996) TV Series .... Albert, the Quizmaster (1997-1998) ... aka "Sabrina Goes to College" (1996) (USA: promotional title) ... aka "Sabrina" (1996) (USA: promotional abbreviation)
• "City, The" (1995) TV Series .... Frank Hubbard (1995-1996)
• "Loving" (1983) TV Series .... Frankie Hubbard (1993-1995)

• "NYPD Blue" (1993) playing "Marcus Potter" in episode: "Lucky Luciano" (episode # 7.18) 5/2/2000
• "Malcolm & Eddie" (1996) in episode: "Daddio" (episode # 3.19) 5/4/1999
• "New York Undercover" (1994) playing "Kalim" in episode: "Private Enemy No. 1" (episode # 1.14) 1/5/1995