Celebrating Miss Lou: A life of poetry, music and love

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was an inspirational day that was dedicated to honouring the legacy, influence, and impact of one of Jamaica’s greatest cultural icons, Louise Bennett-Coverley, aka Miss Lou. She was described as a beloved figure in Jamaica culture, celebrated for her pioneering work in preserving and promoting Jamaica Patois and folklore. Her legacy continues to influence generations, making her a true queen of Jamaica culture.

The kickoff event of the day was a workshop titled, “Is That You, Miss Lou?” which was held in the Miss Lou Learning Center. It was described as one where participants will explore how Miss Lou transformed everyday Jamaican experiences into captivating poetry filled with: humour, wisdom, and warmth. This session is an opportunity to engage in spoken word, music, and drama, inspired by Miss Lou’s unique storytelling style.

The workshop was conducted by educator Marsha Taylor and Jamaican-Canadian guitarist Maurice Gordon, leader of the band Pimento Grove.

The press release issued in August 2024 by the Harbourfront Centre shares, “Join us for an unforgettable celebration of the legendary Miss Lou, the Queen of Jamaican Culture on September 7^th, 2024, at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. The event titled ‘Celebrating Miss Lou: A Life of Poetry, Music, and Love,’ will honor the cultural icon through a series of engaging activities, including: activities, a workshop, a tour, and a vibrant evening show.”

There were two tours conducted at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm after the initial workshop. Marsha Laylor conducted the tours of the Miss Lou Education and Learning Centre. The tour provided insights into the life and work of Miss Lou, highlighting her efforts in preserving and promoting Jamaican patois and folklore.

The evening concluded with an: inspiring, empowering, and entertaining performance by Pimento Grove. They are dedicated to performing and preserving the rich folk rhythms and melodies of Jamaican Mento and other Caribbean genres. Their mission is to honour the great contributions of Caribbean icons like Miss Lou and Harry Belafonte, and they aim to make this celebration an annual event in Toronto and beyond.

This show was a rich tapestry of: music, poetry, and storytelling, all inspired by Miss Lou’s incredible contributions to Jamaican culture. It was a night filled with laughter, learning, and love, as they honoured the woman who became a cultural icon both in Canada and around the world.

It was followed by a speech by Pamella Appelt who together with Miss Lou’s son, Fabian Coverley are co-executors of the Estate of Louise Coverley. She spoke about the role that Miss Lou played as an outstanding cultural significance of this Jamaican icon on her 105^th birthday, which was being celebrated in many countries such as: Jamaica, Canada, and the USA. She shared details that led to the development of Miss Lou’s Room, parties involved and the process. It was at Miss Lou’s funeral that it was mentioned that the government would recognize her cultural importance in a big way.

Fabian Coverley spoke about the legacy of his mom and shared interesting facts about her work. He states, “My mother’s works, still lives on, and is talked and lived daily by the local and international diaspora. Louise Simone Coverley is the renowned poet, actress, first social commenter, comedian, folklorist, singer, writer, and a beloved Jamaican, who tarried over 50 years working the Jamaican language, referred to as Patois. Without the technology of today-computers and social media, she made significant contributions to Jamaica’s: theater, music, literature, and culture. She impacted the population of all genres, local and international.”

The highlight of the evening after the Pimento Grove’s performance was the cutting of the cake specially designed by Chef Noel Cunningham. It was emblazoned with a picture of the iconic Miss Lou and engraved with “Happy 105^th Birthday.”