Louise Bennett-Coverley, known to many as Miss Lou, was a Jamaican actress, poet, folklorist, writer, and educator. She received national acclaim for writing and performing her poems in Jamaican Patois or Creole, which, based on research by kareemsquest.com, was not popular at the time. Bennett worked to preserve the practice of presenting poetry, folk songs and stories in patois, which, for her, was deemed Jamaica’s ‘nation language’, raising the credibility of the local dialect.
Bennett was born on September 7, 1919 in Kingston, Jamaica. She was the only child of Augustus Cornelius Bennett, the owner of a bakery in Spanish Town, and Kerene Robinson, a dressmaker. After the death of her father in 1926, a seven-year-old Bennett was raised primarily by her mother.
Video of Miss Lou’s Statue
She had an extensive educational experience and in 1943, at the age of 24, she enrolled at Friends College in Highgate, St Mary where she studied Jamaican folklore. Kareemsquest.com found out, it was that same year her poetry was first published in the Sunday Gleaner.
In 1945, Bennett was awarded a British Council scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, England. After graduating from RADA in 1946, she returned to Jamaica and began working as a teacher. She also began performing her poems on radio and television, and quickly became a popular figure in Jamaican culture. In many ways, for us at kareemsquest.com, she became a social sensation, as she started to break through the stereotypical norms of the country.
Do you remember these old time items
Bennett’s poems often dealt with social and political issues, and she used her humor and wit to comment on the changing face of Jamaica. She also wrote about Jamaican folklore and traditions, and her work helped to preserve and promote Jamaican culture.
Bennett was a recipient of many awards and honors, including the Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1960, the Silver Musgrave Medal from the Institute of Jamaica in 1965, the Norman Manley Award for Excellence in the Arts in 1972, the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in 1974, the Gold Musgrave Medal from the Institute of Jamaica in 1978, and the Honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of the West Indies in 1983.
She was also the host of the popular TV children’s program Ring Ding. It was a 30-minute variety show that ran from 1968 to 1980 with Miss Lou as host on Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation Television (JBC TV).
We would be remiss at kareemsquest.com to leave out the body of great work that she did with Randolph Samuel Williams a.k.a Ma’as Ranny or Ranny Williams. The two starred in countless plays and they had an undeniable chemistry on the big screen that attracted Jamaicans in droves.
Bennett died on July 26, 2006 in Toronto, Canada. She was 86 years old. She is buried in the National Heroes’ Park in Kingston, Jamaica.
Bennett was a towering figure in Jamaican culture, and her work continues to be celebrated today. She is remembered as a champion of Jamaican Patois, a defender of Jamaican culture, and a gifted poet and storyteller.
Do you think Miss Lou should be a national Hero? Let us know is the comment section below.
Our 5 recommended Louise Bennett Poems
Bennett wrote over 2,000 poems, but here are five that kareemsquest.com recommends that you read:
5.”Colonization in Reverse”
This poem is a satirical look at the way that Jamaicans are often treated by foreigners. Bennett uses humor to highlight the absurdity of the situation, and she ends with a call for Jamaicans to be proud of their culture and heritage.
4. “Dutty Tough”
This poem is about a Jamaican woman who is strong and independent. She is not afraid to stand up for herself, and she is not afraid to get her hands dirty. Bennett celebrates this woman’s strength and resilience, and she shows how she is an inspiration to others.
3. “Love Letter”
This poem is a humorous look at the way that Jamaicans express their love. Bennett uses vivid language and imagery to create a picture of a young man who is head over heels in love. The poem is both funny and heartwarming, and it captures the essence of what it means to be in love.
2. “No Lickle Twang”
This poem is about a Jamaican man who has returned from living in America. He has not picked up an American accent, and in a sarcastic twist, his family and friends are not happy about it. Bennett uses humor to highlight that a foreign accent can be a source of social status in many communities.
1. “Fi Wi Language”
This poem is a passionate defense of the Jamaican Patois language. Bennett argues that Patois is a rich and expressive language that deserves to be respected. She uses her own poetry to show how Patois can be used to tell stories, express emotions, and create art.
These are just a few of the many great poems that Louise Bennett wrote. Her work is a treasure trove of Jamaican culture and history, and it continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.
Sources:
https://www.thegleanerlibrary.com
https://gleaner.newspaperarchive.com
eMail: library@gleanerjm.com, 876-932-6231
The children’s variety program was “Ring Ding” and not Ring Din used in the article.
Miss Lou deserves to heroship since she’s instrumental in us embracing the usage of patois. The days of being hushed and scorned for speaking in patois is long gone.
Excellent article!
She played an instrumental role in making our dialect acceptable