Championing Change: Beyond the finish line with Valerie Jerome

Lauren's Best

Valerie Jerome, former Olympic athlete, teacher and advocate, talks about her remarkable journey, from breaking barriers in sports to her impact through 35 years of teaching. She reveals the relief found in writing her memoir “Races: The Trials and Triumphs of Canada’s Fastest Family”, and gives us a glimpse into what it took to overcome gatekeeping in the traditional publishing industry. She reminds us that racism in Canada is still prevalent and that her hope for the future lies in the empathetic hearts of youth across the country.

Find out where Valerie is speaking next and buy her book “Races” at: http://gooselane.com/Races

Catch more of Valerie’s track and field story on “Black Life: Untold Stories” in the episode “More Than A Game” on CBC Gem.

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Valerie Jerome is an activist, speaker, teacher, politician, and athlete from Vancouver. The granddaughter of Canada’s first Black Olympian, John “Army” Howard, Valerie became the Canadian senior women’s champion in the sprints and long jump at the age of 15 in 1959. She 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 metres relay), competing alongside her brother Harry Jerome.

Away from the track, Valerie 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 served as a board member for numerous organizations, including Achilles Track & Field, the Black Educators of BC, the Junior Black Achievement Awards, Vancouver Youth Theatre, and several dance companies. She speaks at numerous schools and community events.

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Lauren’s Best invites you to curiously consider art and life as host, Lauren Best, reveals what has unlocked success in her own creative journey. Through healing and growth, she illuminates the creative process as an entrepreneur, mother and interdisciplinary artist. Join one-on-one reflections with Lauren, and delve into intriguing conversations with compelling creators, as together we discover insightful connections over surprising common ground.

Lauren’s Best is co-produced by Sam Blake and Lauren Best.

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