About the Book: Races
The inside track on an under-told story about the intersection of race and sports in Canada.
In the 1960s, Harry Jerome set 7 world records, including the 100-yard dash, earning him the title of the world’s fastest man. His grandfather, John “Army” Howard, was Canada’s first Black Olympian, running in Stockholm in 1912 against nearly impossible odds. Harry’s sister, Valerie, competed for Canada at the 1960 Rome Olympics. With Races, Valerie Jerome sets the record straight on her heroic family’s history, and the racism they fought along the way — from their community, the press, their country, and even inside their family home.
Valerie Jerome, BEd’79
Valerie Jerome became Canadian senior women’s champion in the sprints and long jump at the age of 15 in 1959 and went on to represent Canada at the 1960 Rome Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, and the Pan American Games.
Away from the track, Jerome has represented the Green Party of British Columbia and is a recipient of the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal and a City of Vancouver Heritage Award for her work in conservation. She has also served as a board member for numerous organizations, including Achilles Track & Field, the Black Educators of BC, the Junior Black Achievement Awards, and Vancouver Youth Theatre, and has spoken at numerous schools and community events. She was also a member of the Goh Ballet Academy Board for 12 years and is presently a Board member of the Kidd Pivot Dance and Radical Arts Dance Boards.
Date
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Time
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm PDT
Event Description
A fireside chat with Valerie followed by a light reception.
Location
UBC Medical Student & Alumni Centre (MSAC)
Located at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH)
2750 Heather St
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4M2
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Questions
Please contact education.alumni@ubc.ca.
