“MISS LOU” - LOUISE BENNETT-COVERLEY
JAMAICA’S NATIONAL TREASURE
The Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council (LBCHC) is committed to preserving and promoting the legacy of the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, affectionately known as "Miss Lou," Jamaica's cultural icon. Through a range of educational and entertaining programs, we actively enrich and advance Jamaica’s cultural heritage in Florida.
AFRICA | Preserving Our Heritage - The Jamaican Folk Revue and Tallawah Mento Band Performs at Cape Coast Castle, Ghana
Written by Calvin G. Brown - WIREDJA
MIAMI, Florida, July 18, 2025 - On this sweltering Miami Friday, fifty souls are making a journey that will reverse particular currents of history. Not the brutal, involuntary crossing that their ancestors endured centuries ago, but a cultural pilgrimage carrying the preserved essence of “Global Africa” , a return of African heritage back to its motherland.
The Jamaican Folk Revue and Tallawah Mento Band, along with their companions, are not merely traveling to Ghana for performances. They are completing a sacred circle, bringing home the gifts that have been nurtured in Caribbean soil, seasoned by struggle, and refined by resilience.
Culture on the Page: Writers Clinic 2025
If you are endlessly creative, think outside the box, and are ready to explore new forms of artistic expression, sign up now for Culture on the Page.
This one-day Writers Clinic invites participants to enrich their writing by weaving in the language of their cultural heritage. Whether urban or rural, tech-savvy or off-the-grid, newly arrived or from generations of “born here,” every writer brings a unique voice to the page. Together, participants will explore, play with, and expand their use of language for stronger, more authentic creative expression.
The guest presenter for the 2025 Writers Clinic is Dr. Donna Aza Weir-Soley, Associate Professor at Florida International University. An outspoken, innovative, and award-winning writer, Dr. Weir-Soley has published two books of poetry—First Rain and The Woman Who Knew—along with numerous contributions to journals, books, and anthologies. At the clinic, she will guide participants in discovering how folk and contemporary language can deepen and enrich their work.
Culture on the Page will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Regional/Broward College Library, 7300 Pines Boulevard, Building 81, Pembroke Pines. Lunch will be provided, and all attendees will receive a Certificate of Participation.
This free event is presented by the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council, which celebrates and continues the legacy of Jamaica’s beloved poet, activist, and cultural icon, Louise Bennett-Coverley. Funding is provided in part by the Broward County Cultural Division and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
Stylin’ 2025 Contest Alert!
Join the fun and celebrate Miss Lou’s legacy.
In this special contest, we are challenging YOU to: Dress up in your best Miss Lou-inspired costume; Name Your Favorite Miss Lou Poem and Recite a line from the poem. Share your performance for a chance to win one of many prizes! This is your moment to honor Jamaica’s cultural icon in a playful, creative way. So grab your bandana, channel Miss Lou’s spirit, and let your voice shine!
“MISS LOU” - LOUISE BENNETT-COVERLEY
Louise Bennett-Coverley, affectionately known as "Miss Lou," was a celebrated Jamaican poet, folklorist, writer, and educator who played a pivotal role in the preservation and promotion of Jamaican culture. Born on September 7, 1919, she became a cultural icon known for her vibrant performances and the use of Jamaican Patois in her poetry. Through her work, Miss Lou highlighted the richness of Jamaican folklore, traditional songs, and proverbs, establishing a strong cultural identity for future generations. Her legacy continues to inspire and educate, making her an enduring figure in Jamaica’s artistic and cultural landscape.
Coming Events
No events at the moment
Outreach
Donation of Tablets by the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council to Students at the Edna Manley College of the Performing and Visual Arts.
On behalf of the students of the Edna Manley College, a heartfelt thank you for your continued support. Melody McDowell - Asst. Senior Registrar - Edna Manley College of the Performing and Visual Arts. Kingston, Jamaica. Dec. 2020.
Scholarship
The Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley Memorial Scholarship
The Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley Memorial Scholarship is awarded primarily to deserving students of the Performing or Language Arts, in honor of Jamaica’s late Cultural Ambassador, the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, OJ, OBE, D. Litt., to ensure that her legacy will be continued throughout future generations.
