“Mother of Jamaican Culture” – Ms. Lou

“Good mahnin, teacha – ow is yuh?

My name is Sarah Pool. Dis is fi mi lil bwoy, Michal.

An me just a bring him a school!”

Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverley (1919 – 2006)

This is an introduction to one of Miss Lou’s famous poems, “New Scholar”. This is just one of the many poems that the Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverley 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 disseminating this culture throughout the world. 

Born on September 7, 1919, in Kingston, Jamaica, Ms. Lou attended Ebenezer and Calabar Elementary School, Excelsior High School, and St Simon’s College. 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 address important issues in a humorous and creative manner. Ms. Lou represented Jamaica at several international folklore festivals and seminars. 

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

(1) “Mount Amassi”

(2) “Uriah Preach”

(3) “No Likkle Twang”

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

1. Order of Jamaica (OJ), Government of Jamaica, 1974
2. Gold Musgrave Medal, Institute of Jamaica, 1978
3. Doctor of Letters, University of the West Indies, 1982

Miss Lou passed away on July 26, 2006, but she left a lasting global influence that will endure for many generations. A true cultural icon who brought joy and laughter throughout her life and beyond. Ms. Lou is recognized as Jamaica’s cultural mother.

Reference: 

https://jis.gov.jm/features/hon-louise-bennett-coverley-mother-of-jamaican-culture