The granddaughter of Canada’s first Black Olympian, John “Army” Howard, 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 (where she won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 metre relay).
Jerome’s brother Harry was one of the most recognizable Black Canadian athletes in the 1960s. He set a total of seven world records and competed for Canada at the 1960, 1964, and 1968 Summer Olympics, as well as the Pan-American and Commonwealth Games. He won Gold medals in the Pan-American and Commonwealth Games and a Bronze medal at the 1964 Olympic 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.
