“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.
AFRICA | Preserving Our Heritage - The Jamaican Folk Revue and Tallawah Mento Band Performs at Cape Coast Castle, Ghana
Written by Calvin G. Brown - WIREDJA
MIAMI, Florida, July 18, 2025 - On this sweltering Miami Friday, fifty souls are making a journey that will reverse particular currents of history. Not the brutal, involuntary crossing that their ancestors endured centuries ago, but a cultural pilgrimage carrying the preserved essence of “Global Africa” , a return of African heritage back to its motherland.
The Jamaican Folk Revue and Tallawah Mento Band, along with their companions, are not merely traveling to Ghana for performances. They are completing a sacred circle, bringing home the gifts that have been nurtured in Caribbean soil, seasoned by struggle, and refined by resilience.
How to Build a Story that Moves
Stories are journeys and writers will learn how to guide readers on the journey using structure and story arcs in natural and flexible ways. Core skill focus: Story beats, pacing and scenes. Young writers will develop their story writing skills in this workshop guided by award-winning author Geoffrey Philp.
Attendees at past events have given the writers clinics enthusiastic evaluations:
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Great job, super fun and educating – I learned a lot!
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10 out of 10 – I enjoyed it and hope we do it again
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Nicely organized, I learned a lot
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Content was well designed and well explained
Presenter Geoffrey Philp, retired Miami-Dade College professor, is an award-winning author of eight poetry collections, two books of short stories, and two novels. Philp’s poems and short stories are widely published, and in 2022, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Musgrave Medal by the Jamaican government for outstanding merit in literature.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10:00 am-3:30 pm, at the Miramar Cultural Arts Center, 2400 Civic Center Plaza, Miramar, Fl 33025. Applicants from grades 9-12 should 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, 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.
