Yesterday was a sad day in Jamaica's history. It was the day another of the country's cultural icons died. That icon was Louise Bennett-Coverley, popularly known as Miss Lou.
Miss Lou was 86 years old. She is remembered as a folklorist, poet, entertainer and comedienne. She will also be remembered for her contribution in helping to make patois more acceptable locally and internationally through the use of her poetry, more popularly known as dialects.
Her work did not go unnoticed while she was alive, as she received several awards, including one she was to receive last night from the West Indian-American Association of New Jersey.
Despite all her achievements, Miss Lou made an impression on the minds of all Jamaicans, young and old.
Although she went so sudden and soon, Miss Lou lives on in our minds and our memories. Every time we hear an Anansi story, or one of her dialects being recited at the festival competition or a cultural function, we will remember her.
Every time Independence celebrations come around, we will remember Miss Lou and the integral role she played when Jamaica received independence.
But while we grieve, let us not allow her spirit and what she stood for die. Let us share the stories, the poetry and the lessons shared by Miss Lou with all the generations to come.
Miss Lou's body might have lost life but her contributions to Jamaica and the world will live on forever.
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