The series contains textual records that pertain to the Harry Jerome Awards, an annual ceremony that is arranged and presented by the Black Business and Professional Association. The series is arranged into one file, containing ceremony programs. The first ceremony was conducted in 1983. The ceremony was created by Hamlin Grange, Al Hamilton, Denham Jolly, Al Mercury and Errol Townshend, who had gathered in Toronto in November 1982 to discuss how to celebrate six Black athletes who had distinguished themselves at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia. The group had planned to host a reception and decided to invite Harry Jerome as the keynote speaker; however, when Harry Jerome suddenly died in December 1982, the group decided to name the awards banquet after him. The first ceremony was held on March 5, 1983. In the first year of the ceremony, awards were only given based on athletic achievements. In 1984, the categories were expanded to include academics and arts. In addition, it was decided to honour members of the Black community who had contributed to the community.