Valerie Jerome

Valerie Jerome is an educator, political activist, author, and former Canadian Track and field sprinter. Now in her 80’s, few people have given more to their country than Valerie Jerome.  Her inspiring story is told with characteristic honesty in her new award winning book: RACES—THE TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF CANADA’S FASTEST FAMILY.  It is a story of courage and resilience, and of a career devoted to the dignity and respect of all.  The safety and joy she found on the track as an Olympian at age 16 has been followed by a lifetime of community service—Ballet BC, Vancouver Youth Theatre, BC Junior Black Achievement Awards, Kidd Pivot Dance Company, Goh Ballet, and the Vancouver Writers’ Festival are just some of the organizations to which Valerie has given thousands of volunteer hours.  The recipient of numerous awards in fields as diverse as heritage preservation and the environment, Valerie is best known as a beloved Vancouver elementary school teacher, where she had a distinguished 35 year career.  Valerie saw the goodness in every child, and her classroom was built on respect, equality, and self-worth—lessons that for so many have lasted a lifetime.

Wendy Grant, Chief of the Musqueam Nation, said it best:
“As chief, I travelled around the world, meeting royalty and prime ministers, and never was I nervous or anxious.  But my knees shook with fear at the schoolhouse door.  Valerie Jerome changed that for my son, and for many children in our nation.  We were made to feel welcome, safe, and cared for.”

Valerie is a sought-after speaker who has given keynotes at community organizations, public and private schools, historical societies, libraries and multicultural support groups. Her talks centre around anti-racism, drawing on her personal experience of growing up in Vancouver.