NORTH MIAMI – Over $5,000 was raised from the fourth annual cultural tribute and scholarship fundraiser held on Nov. 15 at the Holy Family Episcopal Church in North Miami to honor the life and legacy of the late Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley (Miss Lou).
Proceeds from this event will continue the support of the Louise Bennett-Coverley scholarship Fund that was started following the death of Miss Lou in July 2006. The scholarship is tenable at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston. So far, the scholarship has benefited four students pursuing studies in song, dance and drama at the Institution.
Two students, Ms. Sodanne Brown and Omar Forbes – both pursuing studies in performing arts at the Edna Manley institution have been selected as recipients of the 2009-2010 scholarships.
This year, a new segment has been included to award an additional scholarship to a student of Jamaican descent pursuing studies, also in performing arts, at the New World School of the Arts in Miami. Details to this end are currently being finalized with the school’s administration, according to Mrs. Norma Darby, director Emeritus of the Miami-based cultural group and founder of the Scholarship Fund.
In an effort to continue Miss Lou’s legacy, the Scholarship was extended to Jamaican Diaspora to give those students an opportunity to engage themselves in their culture and heritage. “Throughout her life and career, Miss Lou has contributed immensely to Jamaica’s cultural development, at home and abroad, giving us a sense of authenticity and pride in our heritage and culture” according to Mrs. Darby as she emphasized the significant impact of our nation’s rich culture in our overseas communities.
In an interview with JIS News, Mrs. Darby said that she was hopeful that the scholarship recipients would use the opportunity to study the vast body of work created by Miss Lou during her illustrious career as a poet, playwright, comedienne, actor and lyricist, “so we can continue to keep her legacy alive.”
Ms. Brown has already completed studies at Edna Manley College, receiving a diploma in dance theatre and production, her professional goal to become an artistic director. She recently returned to the Institution to complete undergraduate studies.
Mr. Forbes is currently registered in dance theatre and production. He has been actively involved in community performances in traditional folk dances including kumina, and has performed with the Little Theatre Movement and the ASHE Academy in national events across the country.
This year’s Cultural Tribute titled “Reflections of a National Treasure” included a series of performances featuring vignettes of Miss Lou’s work in song, dance and drama choreographed by Mrs. Okomfo Mena Vassall, formerly of Carifolk Singers and the Reverend Easton Lee. The several acts were performed by the Jamaica Folk Revue and the Tallawah Mento Band, dub poet Malachi Smith, the Sierra Norwood Calvary Church Children’s Choir, soloists Steve Higgins and Ms. Holly Bowen as well as recitals by Ms. Jean Powell and Chris Gilchrist.
The famous ‘Ring Ding’ reminiscent of Miss Lou’s performance with children was performed by Dr. Suzanne “Dr. Sue” Davis along with the Sierra Norwood Children’s choir. During this segment, the children were given an opportunity for self expression in song and recital in a fashion similar to Miss Lou’s celebration of the Jamaican dialect.
Under the patronage of the Jamaica Consulate General in Miami, the event also marked the 89th birthday of ‘Miss Lou’ which was celebrated on September 8.
