Templeton was proud to host Ms. Valerie Jerome on Wednesday February 7^th as part of Black History Month. Ms. Jerome is the sister of Canadian Olympian and former Templeton teacher Harry Jerome, and an Olympian in her own right. Ms. Jerome spoke to multiple classes about growing up in the neighbourhood and the difficulties her family had to endure from racism and racist policies. Ms. Jerome has recently authored a book titled ‘Races’ where she chronicles her families story of triumphs and tragedies.

A Q&A followed her talk with students sharing their thoughts and asking Ms. Jerome questions about being an Olympian, meeting the late Muhammad Ali, and how her family, specifically her brother, had to navigate being a celebrated Olympian that faced systemic racism from the country he was representing. The presentation was both poignant and powerful. Ms. Jerome was touched to return to Templeton where her brother taught and to the neighbourhood her family called home.

A special thanks to Community Schools Coordinator, Gavin Clark, for organizing this amazing event.