This is an introduction to one of Ms. Lou’s famous poem “New Scholar”. This is just one of the many poems The Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverly has written during her life as a poet, performer, writer, educator, folklorist,social commentator and activist. She is regarded as the Mother of Jamaican Culture and played a crucial role in dispersing the said culture throughout the lengths and breadths of this world. Born September 7, 1919 in Kingston, Ms Lou attended Ebenerzer and Calabar Elementary School, St Simon’s College and Excelsior High School. After being awarded a British Council Scholarship, she went to London to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. 

Ms. Lou is noted to be a pioneer and key influencer in the use of the Jamaican dialect. She used the dialect to speak on important issues in a humorous and creative way. Ms. Lou represented Jamaica at a number of folklore festivals and seminars across the world. 

Ms. Lou was famous for her ‘Anancy Stories’ and Ms. Lou views which was broadcasted on Radio Jamaica. She is also famous for poems such as:

• Mount Amassi
• Uriah Preach
• No Likkle Twang

She was gifted in the area of the arts and created alot of joy and laughter wherever she performed, thus receiving awards such :

• Order of Jamaica (OJ) 1974
• Gold Musgrave Medal,Institute of Jamaica, 1978

Miss Lou made her transition on July 26, 2006, but she left a global impact which will live on for many generations to come. A true cultural stalwart who created many smiles and laughter in her lifetime and even after. Ms. Lou is the cultural mother of Jamaica.