Did you know…? McMaster University is preserving the legacy of a Jamaican cultural icon
The Jamaican Canadian community has honoured McMaster University Library for its stewardship of the extensive and culturally significant archives of Louise Bennett-Coverley – better known as “Miss Lou.”
BY ERICA BALCHFEBRUARY 19, 2019
The Jamaican Canadian community has honoured McMaster University Library for its commitment to preserving the legacy of one of Jamaica’s most important and beloved cultural icons – Louise Bennett-Coverley, better known as “Miss Lou.”
McMaster University Librarian Vivian Lewis accepted the award, which recognizes the Library’s stewardship of the extensive Miss Lou Archive, at a recent event in Toronto hosted by the Jamaican Canadian Association.
“Miss Lou was one of the great national icons of Jamaica – but she was also a citizen of the world,” says McMaster University Librarian, Vivian Lewis. “For that reason, McMaster University Library is very proud of the role it has been able to play in supporting Miss Lou’s legacy, here in Canada and across the globe.”
McMaster University Librarian, Vivian Lewis (left) with the Honourable Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Entertainment, Sports, Culture and Gender Affairs, at the Boonoonoonos Brunch, where McMaster was honoured for its stewardship of the Miss Lou Archive.
A household name in Jamaica, Miss Lou was a lifelong champion of her country’s cultural heritage and language. Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1919, Miss Lou was best known a poet, singer and actor. She also lectured extensively in the United States and United Kingdom on Jamaican folklore, music and culture, and is credited with helping to preserve the Jamaican patois dialect through her work.
