Vancouver arts groups celebrate Black History Month
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on February 5, 2026
Valerie Jerome, an African Canadian athlete and educator, will present “An Evening With Valerie Jerome” at The Polygon Gallery on February 5 at 7 pm. The event will feature readings from her 2023 book, Races: The Trials and Triumphs of Canada’s Fastest Family.
Event Details
The presentation will take place at The Polygon Gallery. The event begins at 7 pm on February 5.
Valerie Jerome’s Background
Valerie Jerome demonstrated athletic talent early in her life. She became a Canadian National Track and Field Champion at age 15. Jerome competed in the 1959 Pan American Games, the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, and the 1966 British Commonwealth Games. Following her athletic career, she pursued a teaching career spanning three decades.
*Races: The Trials and Triumphs of Canada’s Fastest Family*
Jerome’s book, Races: The Trials and Triumphs of Canada’s Fastest Family, recounts her experiences and those of her family. The book includes stories about her late brother, Harry Jerome, an Olympic medal-winning sprinter. Jerome will read excerpts from the book during the event.
