Valerie Jerome (born 28 April 1944)[1] is an African-Canadian retired Track and Field sprinter, educator, and political activist.

[6][4] In September 1951, to protest the addition of black students at Ridgeway Elementary, a large gathering of community members intercepted the Jerome siblings on their way to the first day of school.

It was not until her father returned from a business trip and went to the school to advocate for his children's right to education that the siblings could attend the elementary.

[4] Jerome shot to fame at the young age of fifteen after her record-breaking performance in the 1959 Canadian Championships.

[3] Jerome represented Canada in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy,[1] alongside her brother, Harry.

[5] After attending UBC she worked as an educator for 35 years and spearheaded a successful campaign to establish a chair in Black Canadian studies at Dalhousie University.

At no cost to the schools or the athletes, the Outreach Society hires for a variety of sports including: basketball, track and field, soccer, cross country running, and ultimate frisbee.

[6] Between the years 1985 and 2000, Jerome ran in seven elections for the Green Party, at federal, provincial, and municipal levels.