Louise Bennett-Coverley
Louise Simone Bennett-Coverley, affectionately known as Miss Lou, was born on September 7, 1919, in Kingston, Jamaica. A literary icon, folklorist, and cultural ambassador, Miss Lou played an instrumental role in preserving Jamaica's rich linguistic and artistic heritage.
Writing her first dialect poem at just 14 years old, Miss Lou was a trailblazer. Renowned for her captivating poetry and performances, she celebrated Jamaican Patois, which she was often criticized for in mainstream British media. In 1943, she was awarded a British Council scholarship and became the first Black student to study at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She also hosted two BBC radio programs – Caribbean Carnival and West Indian Night.
Miss Lou was committed to teaching and social development, and taught drama to youth and adults in social welfare agencies and for the University of the West Indies.
Through her works, including the iconic poem "Colonization in Reverse," which portrays the mass migration of Windrush migrants to the U.K., She championed the importance of Patois.
As a cultural ambassador, Miss Lou brought Jamaican folklore to global audiences, showcasing the vibrancy of our island's traditions. She lectured about Jamaican folklore in both the United Kingdom and the United States, sharing Jamaican culture internationally. Her television and radio programs, such as "Ring Ding" and "Miss Lou's Views," became beloved fixtures, earning her a special place in the hearts of Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora.
Beyond her artistic contributions, Miss Lou was a social activist, advocating for the recognition and acceptance of Jamaican Patois as a valid linguistic form. Her efforts paved the way for the appreciation of Jamaican culture on a global scale and helped foster a sense of pride among Jamaicans in their unique linguistic and cultural expressions.
Miss Lou has received many honors, such as being appointed as a Member of the Order of Merit, honored the Norman Manley Award for Excellence in the field of Arts, the Order of Jamaica (1974) and the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of the West Indies and York University, Toronto, Canada, among others.
Mrs. Bennett-Coverley and her husband, Eric Coverley, raised many children, including Fabian Coverley and daughters, Christine, Althea, Odette and Simone. Miss Lou died in Toronto, Canada on July 26, 2006. She was buried on August 9, 2006 in the National Heroes’ Park, Kingston alongside her husband.
Louise Bennett-Coverley's impact extends far beyond her passing, even inspiring a Google Doodle in honor of her 103rd birthday. Her legacy lives on in the school plays, memories, and hearts of those who continue to be inspired by her wit, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to preserving Jamaican culture.
Sculpture of Miss Lou by Basil Watson in Louise Bennett-Coverley Square.
