The Amazing Miss Lou
1919—2006

The Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverley — affectionately called "Miss Lou" by her friends, colleagues and admirers in her native Jamaica and around the globe — was a woman of many talents and accomplishments. She was instrumental in fostering and preserving Jamaican culture in her beloved country, and in her adopted home of Toronto - indeed all of Canada and the world. Her songs, poems, books, performances and broadcasts were not only entertaining but influenced actors, storytellers, dub poets, reggae artists – all who came under her spell.

Miss Lou fused humour with satire to deliver potent ideas about the validity of Jamaican identity and language at a time when cultural differences were not necessarily respected.

Wherever she was, Jamaica was with her.

"Any which part mi live – Toronto-o! London-o! Florida-o! – a Jamaica mi deh!" (Wherever I live – Toronto, London, Florida – I am in Jamaica)

Miss Lou's Room

Miss Lou's Room at Harbourfront Centre, in which she performed many times, fittingly overlooks Lake Ontario – reminiscent of the sea-lapped shores which helped shape her Jamaican sensibility. Multi-purposed and quickly transformable, this versatile space houses a permanent exhibit honouring Miss Lou and her achievements, including photographs and tapes of her storytelling and many performances. An interactive programme, accessible to children and their families through school visits and weekend activities, will honour Miss Lou as a pioneer and role-model for generations to come. Her legacy will be passed on to the many still to know and love her.

Whether on radio or television, in the theatre or in her writings, Miss Lou used laughter and comedy to convey her message.

"Tek bad ting mek laugh" (Take something bad and turn it into laughter)

Walk good, Miss Lou.

Photo: Carl Henry

Photo: Carl Henry

Photo: Gordon Hawkins

Pamela Appelt, Co-executor of Miss Lou's estate and a member of Harbourfront Centre Board of Directors, Fabian Coverley, Miss Lou's son, and William Boyle, Chief Executive Officer of Harbourfront Centre at the opening of Miss Lou's Room, Harbourfront Centre, July 26, 2007.

Photo: Gordon Hawkins

Official ribbon cutting to open Miss Lou's Room at Harbourfront Centre - Harbourfront Centre, July 26, 2007.

From Left to Right:
Anne-Marie Bonner, Consul General of Jamaica
Lionel F. Conacher, President, Harbourfront Centre Board of Directors
Her Excellency R. Evadne Coye, Jamaica's High Commissioner
Pamela Appelt, Co-executor of Miss Lou's Estate and a member of Harbourfront Centre Board of Directors
William J.S. Boyle, Chief Executive Officer of Harbourfront Centre
The Honourable Mary Anne Chambers, Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services
The Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica
The Honourable Aloun N'Dombet-Assamba, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Entertainment & Culture
Fabian Coverley, Miss Lou's son

Photo: Gordon Hawkins

Storyteller Sandra Whiting telling a classic Miss Lou tale - Harbourfront Centre, July 26, 2007.