“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.
The 19th annual Louise Bennett-Coverley Reading Festival
Experience the power, humor, and relevance of Jamaican language and storytelling from the 19th Annual Louise Bennett-Coverley Reading Festival (Staged February 7, 2026), themed “Miss Lou’s Views: Real, Relatable and Relevant.” This engaging presentation offers the opportunity to laugh, learn, and reflect through the timeless works of Jamaica’s beloved cultural icon, Miss Lou.
Featured presenter Joan Andrea Hutchinson, OD—poet, speaker, and communication specialist—brings Miss Lou’s wartime poetry to life, revealing how wit and language capture the everyday struggles, resilience, and creativity of ordinary Jamaicans. Drawing from history wrapped in humor and stories that still resonate today, Joan Andrea delivers a riveting presentation in her inimitable style.
Presented in partnership with Southwest Regional Library and produced by the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council, this annual festival continues to celebrate and preserve Jamaica’s rich literary and cultural heritage.
How to Build a Story that Moves
This dynamic writers’ workshop invites young, aspiring storytellers to discover how powerful stories are built. Participants will learn how to guide readers on an unforgettable journey using story structure, pacing, and scene development. Through an engaging, hands-on approach, students will explore story beats and narrative flow while developing their own creative voice.
The workshop is led by award-winning author Geoffrey Philp, whose work spans poetry, short stories, and novels. A retired professor of Miami-Dade College and recipient of Jamaica’s prestigious Silver Musgrave Medal for outstanding merit in literature, Philp brings both expertise and inspiration to young writers ready to grow their craft.
Past participants describe the clinic as fun, engaging, and highly educational, praising its organization and the valuable skills gained.
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
Cost: FREE
Young writers are encouraged to register at www.miramarculturalcenter.org
This free community event is presented by the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council in collaboration with the Miramar Cultural Center. Funding is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.
“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
Sat, Apr 11Miramar Cultural CenterPlot the Path - How to build a story that moves
Sat, Jun 13Virtual EventVirtual Event with a Global Reach
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.
