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Races: The Trials & Triumphs of Canada's Fastest Family
The inside track on an under-told story about the intersection of race and sports in Canada. In the 1960s, Harry Jerome set 7 world records, including the 100-yard dash, earning him the title of the world’s fastest man. His grandfather, John “Army” Howard, was Canada’s first Black Olympian, running in Stockholm in 1912 against nearly impossible odds. Harry’s sister, Valerie, competed for Canada at the 1960 Rome Olympics. With Races , Valerie Jerome sets the record straight on 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. Races tracks Harry’s life through his inimitable athletic career and into his work as an advocate for youth sport and education. Bringing readers inside the Jerome household, Races reveals the hurdles they faced during the heavily segregated ’60s and the long reach of racism that plagued their family history. A tale of courage and conviction, Races is the difficult, yet inspiring story of the Jerome what propelled them in life and on the track.
- GenresNonfictionCanada
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 21, 2024
“I loved running because where I placed had nothing to do with my colour.”
….and everything to do with measuring tapes and stopwatches. The track was the only place where the Jerome siblings were rewarded for being themselves.
Harry Jerome set 7 world records, earning him the title of the world’s fastest man.
He grew up in our neighbourhood and went to the same schools, albeit almost 3 decades before me and my husband! There are so many buildings and statues dedicated to him around here, so it’s no surprise that I knew of him. But, I was surprised to read of the racism and segregation he experienced his whole life.
His sister, Valerie Jerome, also an Olympic racer, shares the hurdles the Jerome family faced. What I loved about the heartbreaking story was that it read like a conversation with the author. She capably brought me inside the Jerome household and shared what they had to overcome to be in the limelight. I was shocked to hear about what had transpired hours before Harry achieved fame. Onlookers only see the glory and not the guts and painful experiences along the journey. Knowing what I now know, I’m in awe of Harry’s courage and conviction midst so much suffering.
A tough read at times, but I was thankful I’d taken the opportunity to read a great book that shed light on the untold story of a local Black Canadian. The most shocking for me was to hear about the racism in my neighbourhood 30 years before I was raised in it. I had no idea that many of the properties had covenants on them that prevented the sale to Blacks, Asians or Jews. I had no idea that students in my neighbourhood could throw rocks at the Jerome family to keep them off the school grounds. This opened my eyes. We have to learn from this. We all belong here.
This book isn’t just about Black people or sports; it’s about all of us and the feeling of belonging. We need to champion everyone and support each other’s dream.
Since I chose this book as a ‘Black voices’ to coincide with Black History Month, I’ll share one of the surprising tidbits highlighting this heroic family’s history:
Harry and Valerie Jerome’s grandfather, a Canadian soldier, John “Army” Howard, was Canada’s first Black Olympian who competed in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.
I’m super excited to meet the author and get my copy of her book signed!
….and everything to do with measuring tapes and stopwatches. The track was the only place where the Jerome siblings were rewarded for being themselves.
Harry Jerome set 7 world records, earning him the title of the world’s fastest man.
He grew up in our neighbourhood and went to the same schools, albeit almost 3 decades before me and my husband! There are so many buildings and statues dedicated to him around here, so it’s no surprise that I knew of him. But, I was surprised to read of the racism and segregation he experienced his whole life.
His sister, Valerie Jerome, also an Olympic racer, shares the hurdles the Jerome family faced. What I loved about the heartbreaking story was that it read like a conversation with the author. She capably brought me inside the Jerome household and shared what they had to overcome to be in the limelight. I was shocked to hear about what had transpired hours before Harry achieved fame. Onlookers only see the glory and not the guts and painful experiences along the journey. Knowing what I now know, I’m in awe of Harry’s courage and conviction midst so much suffering.
A tough read at times, but I was thankful I’d taken the opportunity to read a great book that shed light on the untold story of a local Black Canadian. The most shocking for me was to hear about the racism in my neighbourhood 30 years before I was raised in it. I had no idea that many of the properties had covenants on them that prevented the sale to Blacks, Asians or Jews. I had no idea that students in my neighbourhood could throw rocks at the Jerome family to keep them off the school grounds. This opened my eyes. We have to learn from this. We all belong here.
This book isn’t just about Black people or sports; it’s about all of us and the feeling of belonging. We need to champion everyone and support each other’s dream.
Since I chose this book as a ‘Black voices’ to coincide with Black History Month, I’ll share one of the surprising tidbits highlighting this heroic family’s history:
Harry and Valerie Jerome’s grandfather, a Canadian soldier, John “Army” Howard, was Canada’s first Black Olympian who competed in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.
I’m super excited to meet the author and get my copy of her book signed!
October 21, 2024
Pretty interesting memoir about the Jerome family, from Valerie's perspective. She unflinchingly details the blatant and subtle racism that she and Harry (and other siblings) faced throughout their lives. We mainly follow Harry's athletic career and struggles, and Valerie's athletic career as well, and we see racism at every turn. Valerie is clearly an activist, fighting the racist forces in every way that she can, and her narrative voice is at times angry and bitter. Her story is an important one, and she has told it well, so I can easily recommend this book to anyone who might be interested in Canadian athletes and the Black experience.
January 16, 2025
This book resonated with me in many ways. I was shocked at the deep and significant history of racism towards black people in Canada, especially in sports. This book follows the life and upbringing of the Jerome family, including the famous Harry Jerome who held the world record for the 100-meter dash from 1963-1966. Valerie Jerome, also a retired track and field athlete, political activist, teacher, and the brother of Harry, talks about the harsh reality of growing up in Canada in the 1950s and how her and her family were impacted by extreme racism their entire lives. She tells a heartbreaking story that shines a light on topics that have been ignored by many in this country, and how important it is that we understand the courage and tenacity black people possess growing up in Canada.
The two adjectives I would use to describe this book are emotional and inspiring. My reasoning for emotional is all the clear hardships the Jerome family faced together throughout their life, both positive and negative. All these things they experienced growing up broke my heart and allowed me to fully understand what they went through. I also view this book as extremely inspiring, as the perseverance and tenacity each family member showed in all aspects of their life makes me believe in fighting through all the hard times.
Something I learned from reading this book would be, like I mentioned in the previous paragraph, the act of perseverance. No matter how difficult life got for the Jerome family, especially for Harry and Valerie, they always persevered through it without giving up. No matter if it was not getting any proper recognition for placing first at the Olympic Trials and breaking the world record for the 100-meter dash or simply being called a racist slur at the bus stop, they always found a way to get through these difficult times that so heavily affected their lives and were able to find strength within themselves. I know now and realize how hard and exhausting this must have been and still is, ultimately, for many people sometimes on a daily basis.
Another aspect of perseverance discussed in this book is the abuse Valerie and her siblings endured growing up, particularly from their mother. Their mother was so ashamed of her children’s and her own black heritage that it was plainly visible to others. She took her anger out on her children physically, verbally, and emotionally in order to cope with this pain, but each sibling learned how to deal with this abuse, and they found ways to get through it together.
Something I liked about this book was how I was able to clearly see the perspective of each person discussed. Though the book was written from Valerie’s perspective, I felt that I could truly feel the thoughts and emotions of each person, even if they were only briefly talked about. For example, their grandfather, John “Army” Howard, was the first black Olympic athlete in Canada, and he won gold at the Inter-Allied Games in 1919. Valerie talked about him at the beginning of the book and described how he received little to no recognition for any of his accomplishments, and as she talked about his struggles, I almost felt as if I was there with Valerie’s grandfather.
I think an implication of this book is realizing how difficult is has been for black people, especially in Canada, to live their lives and go about their day-to-today activities constantly having to endure racist remarks and unfair treatment due to the colour of their skin. This is all simply because they were born with a darker skin colour than some other people in the world. When you think about it, it’s absurd. It doesn’t make them any less human or turn them into some kind of monster; in fact, it changes nothing. The sad part is that racism still exists to this day and people are affected by it every single day. Though it might not be as normalized, there are so many people who are thought less of or given less today due to this fact. Moving forward, I think there needs to be more attention brought to this fact and there needs to be more education for children on what racism looks like against specifically black people and how it ties into Canada’s history. If people don’t know these facts, there can never be change.
I would recommend this book to anyone who feels that they are overlooked in a specific thing or simply just in life. I would also recommend this book to anyone who feels that they are in conflict with themselves and want to learn about how to overcome this feeling, as well as people who feel this way with sports. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about all the hardships from one of the most famous families in Canada, and I think others will, too.
My favourite quote from this book would have to be “I loved running because where I placed had nothing to do with my colour.” I think this quote ties in and sums up the main ideas of this book in an easily understandable way. Running, especially for Valerie, was an escape from all the harsh and negative things in her life that had to do with the colour of her skin and how others perceived her based off of this. Having an outlet like running that allows you to get away from the harder things in life can help in so many different ways, and I feel very lucky that I got to learn about the Jerome family’s life and how running played such an important part in freeing them from the brutal harshness of being black and growing up in Canada in the 1950s.
The two adjectives I would use to describe this book are emotional and inspiring. My reasoning for emotional is all the clear hardships the Jerome family faced together throughout their life, both positive and negative. All these things they experienced growing up broke my heart and allowed me to fully understand what they went through. I also view this book as extremely inspiring, as the perseverance and tenacity each family member showed in all aspects of their life makes me believe in fighting through all the hard times.
Something I learned from reading this book would be, like I mentioned in the previous paragraph, the act of perseverance. No matter how difficult life got for the Jerome family, especially for Harry and Valerie, they always persevered through it without giving up. No matter if it was not getting any proper recognition for placing first at the Olympic Trials and breaking the world record for the 100-meter dash or simply being called a racist slur at the bus stop, they always found a way to get through these difficult times that so heavily affected their lives and were able to find strength within themselves. I know now and realize how hard and exhausting this must have been and still is, ultimately, for many people sometimes on a daily basis.
Another aspect of perseverance discussed in this book is the abuse Valerie and her siblings endured growing up, particularly from their mother. Their mother was so ashamed of her children’s and her own black heritage that it was plainly visible to others. She took her anger out on her children physically, verbally, and emotionally in order to cope with this pain, but each sibling learned how to deal with this abuse, and they found ways to get through it together.
Something I liked about this book was how I was able to clearly see the perspective of each person discussed. Though the book was written from Valerie’s perspective, I felt that I could truly feel the thoughts and emotions of each person, even if they were only briefly talked about. For example, their grandfather, John “Army” Howard, was the first black Olympic athlete in Canada, and he won gold at the Inter-Allied Games in 1919. Valerie talked about him at the beginning of the book and described how he received little to no recognition for any of his accomplishments, and as she talked about his struggles, I almost felt as if I was there with Valerie’s grandfather.
I think an implication of this book is realizing how difficult is has been for black people, especially in Canada, to live their lives and go about their day-to-today activities constantly having to endure racist remarks and unfair treatment due to the colour of their skin. This is all simply because they were born with a darker skin colour than some other people in the world. When you think about it, it’s absurd. It doesn’t make them any less human or turn them into some kind of monster; in fact, it changes nothing. The sad part is that racism still exists to this day and people are affected by it every single day. Though it might not be as normalized, there are so many people who are thought less of or given less today due to this fact. Moving forward, I think there needs to be more attention brought to this fact and there needs to be more education for children on what racism looks like against specifically black people and how it ties into Canada’s history. If people don’t know these facts, there can never be change.
I would recommend this book to anyone who feels that they are overlooked in a specific thing or simply just in life. I would also recommend this book to anyone who feels that they are in conflict with themselves and want to learn about how to overcome this feeling, as well as people who feel this way with sports. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about all the hardships from one of the most famous families in Canada, and I think others will, too.
My favourite quote from this book would have to be “I loved running because where I placed had nothing to do with my colour.” I think this quote ties in and sums up the main ideas of this book in an easily understandable way. Running, especially for Valerie, was an escape from all the harsh and negative things in her life that had to do with the colour of her skin and how others perceived her based off of this. Having an outlet like running that allows you to get away from the harder things in life can help in so many different ways, and I feel very lucky that I got to learn about the Jerome family’s life and how running played such an important part in freeing them from the brutal harshness of being black and growing up in Canada in the 1950s.
September 27, 2023
This book is a roller-coaster for the heart. Between bouts of sickening shame for the racism in this country that hides itself so well so often, but never seems to go away, rage at the vultures of the press, and heartbreak and horror at the revelations of family dysfunction and brutality, there is admiration for a breathtaking story of triumph that seems almost unbelievable. Valerie and Harry Jerome not only succeeded in the dream to compete at the Olympics, (Harry, the fastest man in the world, medalling after tragic setbacks) but also in their lifelong determination to bring sport within the reach of all Canadian children--how did their spirits even survive what they suffered, never mind make such a success of all they touched?
Every Canadian should read this book. Especially if you imagine that the residential school revelations are the beginning and end of Canadian racism. Here is just one of the many incidents that I'm still gagging over:
At Boy Scout camp, the female leader doing morning inspection of the boys' hands for cleanliness pauses by Harry and shouts DIRTY. Every morning. All the other boys snicker and laugh. Every single morning. And in case you imagine that she later learned something, this person recounted the tale to Harry's sister as late as 2001, still giggling over her wonderful joke. It always made the other boys laugh.
Every. Canadian. Needs. To. Read. This. Book.
Every Canadian should read this book. Especially if you imagine that the residential school revelations are the beginning and end of Canadian racism. Here is just one of the many incidents that I'm still gagging over:
At Boy Scout camp, the female leader doing morning inspection of the boys' hands for cleanliness pauses by Harry and shouts DIRTY. Every morning. All the other boys snicker and laugh. Every single morning. And in case you imagine that she later learned something, this person recounted the tale to Harry's sister as late as 2001, still giggling over her wonderful joke. It always made the other boys laugh.
Every. Canadian. Needs. To. Read. This. Book.
October 13, 2023
Jerome’s book, Races: The Trails & Triumphs of Canada’s Fastest Family is critically acclaimed and has inspired countless people all over Canada. Her track & field journey – a journey that took her to incredible peaks and valleys physically & emotionally is filled with history and stories of the Jerome family that’ll intrigue and inspire even the mildest sports fan. Jerome sets the record straight on 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. Bringing readers inside the Jerome household, this book reveals the hurdles they faced during the heavily segregated 1960s and the long reach of racism that plagued their family history. A tale of courage and conviction, Races is a difficult, yet inspiring story of the Jerome family: what propelled them in life and on the track.
This book just isn’t a typical biography, it gives a great deal of historical information about the background of Canadian athletics during the 1900s. Jerome introduces us to her grandfather, John “Army” Howard, who was Canada’s first Black Olympian, running in Stockholm in 1912 against nearly impossible odds and triumphs in track and field.
On Sept. 30, 1940, Harry Winston Jerome was born. Carolyn was born in 1942, Valerie in 1944, and little brother Barton in 1945. Louise, the youngest arrived in 1953. Harry Jerome, like his siblings, is bullied by racial animosity in the schoolyard, public spaces, buses, and cafes. The racist hatred is compounded, if not worse, by his own mom. She would mentally and physically be terrorizing the whole family. Harry found refuge in sports and friends then poured his stress into training. Harry encourages Valerie to get into athletics, to counteract the ongoing abuse at home. The two join a track club, and so begin the happiest years they have known to date. Valerie becomes an accomplished high jumper, long jumper, and sprinter.
Later in life Harry goes on to develop a curriculum for sport and fitness and works with the BC Human Rights Commission to fight racism in society. Harry gets a federal job, touring the country with other Olympians, and demonstrating athletics to inspire students. The work gives him validation. He gets deep into coaching and organizing fitness for youth. He said this work and recognition were the most important in his life.
Jerome wrote this book over several decades, then searched for the right publisher to bring her family’s story to print. As a former track & field competitor I was so excited to have the opportunity to read and review this courageous story. A must-read filled with history and stories of the Jerome family that’ll intrigue and inspire even the mildest sports fan.
This book just isn’t a typical biography, it gives a great deal of historical information about the background of Canadian athletics during the 1900s. Jerome introduces us to her grandfather, John “Army” Howard, who was Canada’s first Black Olympian, running in Stockholm in 1912 against nearly impossible odds and triumphs in track and field.
On Sept. 30, 1940, Harry Winston Jerome was born. Carolyn was born in 1942, Valerie in 1944, and little brother Barton in 1945. Louise, the youngest arrived in 1953. Harry Jerome, like his siblings, is bullied by racial animosity in the schoolyard, public spaces, buses, and cafes. The racist hatred is compounded, if not worse, by his own mom. She would mentally and physically be terrorizing the whole family. Harry found refuge in sports and friends then poured his stress into training. Harry encourages Valerie to get into athletics, to counteract the ongoing abuse at home. The two join a track club, and so begin the happiest years they have known to date. Valerie becomes an accomplished high jumper, long jumper, and sprinter.
Later in life Harry goes on to develop a curriculum for sport and fitness and works with the BC Human Rights Commission to fight racism in society. Harry gets a federal job, touring the country with other Olympians, and demonstrating athletics to inspire students. The work gives him validation. He gets deep into coaching and organizing fitness for youth. He said this work and recognition were the most important in his life.
Jerome wrote this book over several decades, then searched for the right publisher to bring her family’s story to print. As a former track & field competitor I was so excited to have the opportunity to read and review this courageous story. A must-read filled with history and stories of the Jerome family that’ll intrigue and inspire even the mildest sports fan.
December 6, 2023
Similar to My Mother’s Daughter by Perdita Felicien, which I also very much enjoyed.
What works here is that Jerome does a good job of weaving the narrative around racism and sport over time. Sadly there is a lot to unpack there, and this fills a gap in our understanding of the history of sport in Canada, particularly track and field.
In this case, whomever it was that came up with the title - Races - earned their money. It speaks brilliantly to the dual tensions this title explores - racism and running races.
Reades should be fore-warned… Some may be put-off by some of the anti-Black language and racial taunts that are presented as they happened in fact.
What works here is that Jerome does a good job of weaving the narrative around racism and sport over time. Sadly there is a lot to unpack there, and this fills a gap in our understanding of the history of sport in Canada, particularly track and field.
In this case, whomever it was that came up with the title - Races - earned their money. It speaks brilliantly to the dual tensions this title explores - racism and running races.
Reades should be fore-warned… Some may be put-off by some of the anti-Black language and racial taunts that are presented as they happened in fact.
February 1, 2024
I do love a good local story, and this one does not disappoint! Though, at the same time, i was incredibly disappointed in Valerie and Harry's experiences. What an amazing life they could have had- had people embraced their skills and determination rather than be so stuck on the colour of their skin. From the public and media and even their own family, these two experienced racist *hurdles* at every turn, having to prove and reprove themselves every time. In every area of their lives.
Black exhaustion.
Valerie Jerome gets her readers close to understanding through her telling and the length of the story, but her journalistic approach is more factual than emotional.
Black exhaustion.
Valerie Jerome gets her readers close to understanding through her telling and the length of the story, but her journalistic approach is more factual than emotional.
September 24, 2023
I listened to the audiobook. The narration could have been better but the words still shone through.
A compelling story of Canadian Olympians Valerie and Harry Jerome. The abusive and racism filled childhood of the Olympic medalist and world record holder told by his sister and fellow Olympian. The audiobook isn't great but the story is at once angering and fascinating. Listened to the whole thing in one day. *they give a content warning about the depictions of racism including racial slurs such as the N word.
A compelling story of Canadian Olympians Valerie and Harry Jerome. The abusive and racism filled childhood of the Olympic medalist and world record holder told by his sister and fellow Olympian. The audiobook isn't great but the story is at once angering and fascinating. Listened to the whole thing in one day. *they give a content warning about the depictions of racism including racial slurs such as the N word.
January 14, 2024
Interesting insight into a Canadian story. I've often wondered about the experiences of Black Canadians in the 50's, 60's and 70's. I rarely hear about the experiences from that time and I know a lot of people think Canada is a safe haven from racism 🙄
Easy-enough read but the story doesn't always flow. Sometimes random facts/stories were thrown in that made me wonder how they fit.
Easy-enough read but the story doesn't always flow. Sometimes random facts/stories were thrown in that made me wonder how they fit.
February 28, 2025
Actually didn’t finish it. Powerful topic but really not my thing. Only started to listen to it as it was a book club read. Found it dry. Too many details. But important book about important topic. Probably not helped for me that I don’t know any of the people whom the book is about.
December 17, 2023
Thank you for writing this book.
August 23, 2024
An excellent book with so much well researched and interesting information.
October 11, 2024
The fact that I didn't know the story, or even the name, of Harry Jerome is a testament to the continued racism and erasure of black accomplishments in Vancouver, BC, and Canada.
September 20, 2025
Heartfelt, only learnt about Harry after a stroll around Stanley park and picked up the book in whistler. First visit to Canada
January 18, 2025
If I experienced even a fraction of this much hardship and tragedy I would be a very different person than Valerie Jerome. I'm so impressed by her.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews