Teachers and Students in St. Ann Celebrate Miss Lou Day

Students and teachers from various schools in St. Ann turned out in their numbers for ‘Miss Lou Day’, which was recently held at Lawrence Park in St. Ann’s Bay.
The event, which was organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and the St. Ann Parish Library, featured a range of entertaining performances, which paid tribute to the life and work of the cultural icon, who died in July 2006 at the age of 86.
Cultural Organizer for JCDC in St. Ann, Wentlyn Mantle told JIS News that the event was a success and he was pleased with the participation of the students.
“The expressions and body language of the students was evidence that they were enjoying what was going on. They were excited and wanted to hear more about Miss Lou as well as to be entertained by their peers and teachers who, through cultural performances, did justice to the work of Miss Lou,” Mr. Mantle said, adding that he is looking forward to the planning of next year’s event.
Meanwhile, drama teacher at the Alva Primary School, Sheryl Minto- Whildman, told JIS News that “the life of Miss Lou just could not go unnoticed and the function here today sought to remind us of the rich heritage that she has brought on to us”.
She noted further that, “as a storyteller, the work of Miss Lou has inspired me and I believe that one day, I will be able to at least contribute to culture in Jamaica and I am hoping that young people will see the need to continue this and keep the flame going.”
Business teacher at the Marcus Garvey Technical High School, Latoya Chambers commended the JCDC and the St. Ann Parish Library for organizing the celebration. She noted that “the day’s event has served its purpose in actually perpetuating the culture, our language and even has impacted on the young minds”.
Micah Newton, student at the St. Ann’s Bay High and Preparatory School, told JIS News that he learnt a lot about Miss Lou at the event and he enjoyed the cultural performances, while Kadeja Brown, also of that school said: “I feel very comfortable with what Miss Lou has done for us because I learnt today that she gave us the freedom to speak the Creole language”.
Louise Bennett Coverley, affectionately called ‘Miss Lou’ was born in Kingston on September 7, 1919. The world renowned folklorist, poet, actress, political and social commentator is regarded as the mother of culture and is said to be “the only poet who has really hit the truth about her society through its own language.”
Miss Lou is a household name in Jamaica, a legend and a cultural icon.