Jamaican-Canadian author, educator and folklorist, Tania Hernandez, also known as ‘Miss Tania Lou’, has launched a new book about Jamaica’s cultural icon, Louise Bennett-Coverley, affectionately known as ‘Miss Lou’.
On a cold winter weekend afternoon, many gathered at Blackhurst Cultural Centre in Toronto, Canada, to celebrate Ay Ya Yai! Miss Lou: Voice of the Jamaican People, the fourth book written by the Miss Lou tribute performer.
“This book celebrates the work and impact of the Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverley who was a trailblazer in promoting and solidifying the acceptance of Jamaica’s culture and heritage both at home and abroad,” said Kurt Davis, Jamaica’s consul general in Toronto, who encouraged Hernandez to pass on to others the importance of writing and publishing books.
He noted that the Jamaican Government recently announced that a new category of national award would be added to the national honours and awards scheme – ‘National Icon’. Miss Lou and Bob Marley will be the first recipients, he said, noting that she is already the recipient of the Order of Merit, which is Jamaica’s third highest honour.
Davis said Miss Lou was determined to demonstrate to Jamaicans that crafting their identity was important and so was their language, Jamaican Creole or Patois.
“We have made huge strides because of Miss Lou and the army of persons like Tania Lou Hernandez who have and are continuing to strive to preserve and promote this cultural asset,” he said.
Davis said Jamaica’s language is valid and can be used and Jamaicans should be proud of it. He noted that it is critical to empower current and future generations, at home and in the diaspora, with a sense of pride in their roots and heritage and an understanding of the power of their culture and identity.
Itah Sadu, managing director of Blackhurst Cultural Centre, said Miss Lou was a woman who documented the lives of many.
“Anytime that you document, it is a privilege and an honour in this Canadian landscape of literature,” she told Hernandez.
PRESERVING JAMAICAN CULTURE
Pamela Appelt, co-executor of the estate of Miss Lou, said Hernandez wears many hats as a wife, teacher, mother, storyteller, poet and as an author who is using her platform to preserve Jamaican culture by keeping the memory of Miss Lou alive.
Appelt said that, over the years, she has watched Hernandez’s performances and observed how she beams with pride whenever she recites the poems of Louise Bennett-Coverley.
She said Hernandez has joined an illustrious group of authors who have paid tributes to Miss Lou such as Mervyn Morris, Honor Ford-Smith, Lorna Goodison, Olive Senior and Lillian Allen – many of whom have made their mark in Canada as well.
“Through you, Miss Tania, the memories of Miss Lou will grow more precious and will forever bloom in our hearts just the way Miss Lou left us with an afterglow of smiles and laughter and a beautiful commitment to the country of her birth and her adopted country, Canada.”
Paula de Ronde, founder of Arts and Culture Jamaica Inc, an organisation that promotes the artistic and unique cultural heritage of Jamaica, said Hernandez is helping to keep alive the legacy of Miss Lou. She described her as a multifaceted person and a ‘performance biographer’ who is “expanding our legacy and taking it to future generations”.
Carolyn Goulbourne, president, and Enid Edwards, vice chair, of Arts and Culture Jamaica Inc, also shared comments at the launch.
Hernandez said Miss Lou taught her that she could do anything she wanted to do, and that Patois should be respected alongside English, not replace it.
The book celebrates “Miss Lou’s extraordinary contributions, from her beloved Ring Ding show to her global recognition as a folklorist and entertainer.
Hernandez is endorsed by the Louise Bennett-Coverley Estate for her philanthropic efforts and dedication to preserving Jamaican heritage and keeping the memories and works of Miss Lou alive.
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