Debbie Smith, the daughter of renowned Canadian sprinter Harry Jerome, has demanded the removal of his name and likeness from an annual awards ceremony organized by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) due to allegations of financial mismanagement. The awards, scheduled to take place on Saturday, celebrate achievements within Canada’s Black community.
Smith, who inherited the role of awarding her father’s name after his death in 1982, stated that the allegations have tarnished her father’s reputation and broken her heart. She has sent a cease-and-desist letter through her lawyer, demanding that the BBPA cease using Jerome’s name until the allegations are addressed and resolved.
Jerome, regarded as the fastest man in the world in July 1960 after setting a 100-meter world record in Saskatoon, faced racism throughout his life and career. Despite these challenges, he set six more world records, won a bronze medal in the 100-meter at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and secured gold at both the 1966 British Empire Games and 1967 Pan American Games. Jerome passed away in 1982 from a brain aneurysm at the age of 42.
Smith, who has been involved with the Harry Jerome Awards on and off since their inception over 40 years ago, stated that she has never profited from her father’s name. She has always allowed its use in good faith, including the handshake agreement made 42 years ago with the BBPA.
The BBPA has not responded to Smith’s letter, which demands the organization stop using Jerome’s name and likeness in general and in connection to the awards until it has ‘addressed and rectified any and all proven instances of financial mismanagement.’ Multiple requests for comment from CBC Toronto to the BBPA’s board of directors have also gone unanswered.
However, in a letter emailed to members on March 21, board chair Ross Cadastre denied allegations ‘regarding the misappropriation of funds.’ CBC Toronto has obtained both letters, along with another sent to the board from a lawyer on behalf of a group of BBPA members, detailing the allegations.
One of these members, longtime donor Chandran Fernando, emphasized the BBPA’s crucial mission to empower Black entrepreneurs and professionals. In a statement to CBC Toronto, Fernando revealed that they have petitioned the board to disclose documents necessary for a third-party audit, but their requests have not been granted.
Fernando stressed, ‘This organization must uphold the highest standards of transparency. Any misappropriated funds must be repaid and properly redirected to support Black communities.’
Cadastre’s letter to members stated that the allegations were taken seriously by the board and led them ‘to review the particulars with board directors, our treasurer, our auditors, and with our legal counsel.’ He wrote, ‘The board takes seriously its responsibility to act in the best interests of the organization, and it categorically denies these allegations.’
Cadastre added, ‘The BBPA remains committed to transparency, accountability, and partnership with stakeholders like yourself.’
Smith hopes that speaking up will yield results, as she lacks the resources to take the BBPA to court for continuing to use her father’s name. She firmly stated, ‘Those two words shouldn’t go together — ‘Harry Jerome’ and ‘allegations.'”
