The legacy of Canada’s fastest family: Valerie Jerome

TELUS Talks with Tamara Taggart

Valerie Jerome grew up in Canada’s fastest family. As the granddaughter of John “Army” Howard, Canada’s first Black Olympian, Valerie says she was “blessed” with genes for speed. She was only 15 years old when she competed in the 1960 Olympics in Rome. Her brother, Harry Jerome, was one of the most recognizable Black Canadian athletes in the 1960s. This week, Valerie discusses 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.