Valerie Jerome: Races

Former Olympian, educator and political activist Valerie Jerome discusses her courageous and challenging new family memoir Races The Trials and Triumphs of Canada's Fastest Family at the North York Central Library Concourse, TPL's new premiere event space for cultural and heritage programming.

In Races, Jerome tells her family's story that intertwines a legacy of elite sports and racism. Starting with her Grandfather, John "Army" Howard, Canada's first Black Olympian who competed in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, the Jerome family produced several other Olympians including herself and her brother Harry who set 7 world records, including the 100-yard dash, earning him the title of the world's fastest man. The Jerome family saw a great deal of Olympic gold but also experienced appalling racism during the heavily segregated 1960s.

Valerie Jerome speaks with Matthew R. Morris (author of Black Boys Like Me) about Races and the extreme dedication to excellence that prevails in the face of hatred.

Question and answer session and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.

Ticket registration for this event is required.

This event is part Toronto Public Library's signature Salon Series, where we host local and international authors, artists and thinkers in conversation about their new books and big ideas.

This event is also part of TPL's Black History and Culture Series.
Presenting Sponsor of Heritage Programs: TD Bank Group, through the TD Ready Commitment.

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Note: This is an in-person event at the North York Central Library Concourse, Toronto Public Library's new premiere event space for cultural and heritage programming located at 5120 Yonge Street (west side of Yonge St, one block north of Sheppard Ave).

Arrive early, meet people. The talk starts at 7pm, but doors open at 6pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow literature lovers, and make new friends. As with all North York Central Library Concourse events, we'll have a bar with a selection of beer and wine, as well as snacks, available to purchase (only debit and credit cards accepted).

Tickets are only guaranteed until 15 minutes before the show starts, at which point we will start opening up available spots to the rush line.

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Accessibility at Toronto Public Library
We are committed to making our content accessible to as many Torontonians as possible. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks' notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email [email protected]

Others Details

Category: Arts | Books and Literature | Book Signings