Miss Lou's Birthday
Friday, September 7, marked the 88th anniversary of the birth of Jamaican cultural icon Louise Bennett- Coverley, popularly called 'Miss Lou', and as such the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission will be hosting a series of activities in celebration of her birthday, across the island. The events to be held include exhibitions in major parish libraries across the island as well as mini concerts and other activities. In some parishes, the activities will commence on the day of her birthday and continue throughout the month of September.
Louise Bennett popularly known as 'Miss Lou' was born on September 7, 1919, and throughout her life she influenced many aspects of Jamaican life especially in the arts. She can also be considered the original dub poet, a pioneer social commentator as her poems reflected all aspects of Jamaican life past and present. "Miss Lou" also pioneered the use of the Jamaican patois in live appearances on stage, radio, television and films as well as in printed literature.
Miss Lou, who migrated to Canada in her later life and made her final trip to the island in July 2003, where she was greeted with what she described as a "Boonoonnoonous" welcome. Jamaicans suffered a great loss with her passing in 2006, however her undying commitment to Jamaica and the development of culture will always be remembered and it is in this spirit that the JCDC will host this year's series of activities in her honour.


