‘Tek pride in who yuh be’ - J’cans urged to keep Miss Lou’s legacy alive

Jamaicans are being encouraged to honour the memory of cultural icon Louise Bennett-Coverley, better known as Miss Lou, by preserving and celebrating the nation's dialect and folk traditions.

The reminder came during a special celebration of Miss Lou's birthday at the Portland Parish Library last Wednesday, where vice-principal of Manchioneal Primary School, Richard Derby, delivered the keynote address.

"Miss Lou's lesson is simple and powerful - take pride in who you are. Your culture, your language; 'yuh 'tory - dem valuabl ... tek pride in who you be'. Whether you write a poem, sing a song or share a folk-tale, you are keeping Miss Lou's legacy alive," Derby said.

Widely regarded as Jamaica's cultural matriarch, Miss Lou was born on September 7, 1919.

Derby described Miss Lou's work as timeless, noting that her poems are so deeply woven into Jamaica's cultural fabric that "everybody who passes through the island has to learn at least one."

Recalling his own time working at the Portland Parish Library, Derby said the demand for her collection Jamaica Labrish was so high that the book had to be kept in the librarian's office, with readers signing up just to get a chance to get copies of her poems.

Acting parish administrator at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Portland office, Desmond Johnson, also underscored the need to sustain commemorations in Miss Lou's honour. He explained that while her birthday celebrations were traditionally hosted in schools, for the past two years the Portland Parish Library has served as the main venue.

"She plays a vital role in our heritage," Johnson said. "We have to show respect to her and keep her legacy alive so the younger generation can learn from it."

This year's exhibition included a hand-crafted doll made in Miss Lou's likeness, along with copies of her published works and displays highlighting her life and achievements. The exhibition remains open to the public.