The Friends of the S. Regional /BCC Library, the Broward Community College and the Jamaican Folk Revue, invite the S. Florida Community to the launch of a two-day Reading Festival, honoring and studying the life and works of Dr, the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley – author, comedienne, social commentator and Jamaica’s Cultural Ambassador.

The 2 – day event, under the patronage of the Jamaican Consulate General in Miami, will take place at 7300 Pines Blvd.( BCC , South Campus)

Day 1 (Thursday,January 31st, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.) Panel Discussion -“Perspectives on the Life and Work of the Hon, Louise Bennett-Coverley” - in the Multi-media Auditorium of the Library,

Location -7300 Pines Blvd. (Admission is free.)

Panelists will include Prof. Mervyn Morris (UWI, Mona,) who contributed editorials and introductions to Miss Lou’s books; Joan Andrea Hutchinson (Actress, author and comedienne, who produced Miss Lou’s last CD,”Lawd de Riddim Sweet” ); Dr. Susan Davis (S.Fla.Educator); Attorney Marlon Hill (Diaspora Representative to the Southern. United States); Dr.Marva Maclean (Poet and Educator) and Attorney George Lewis. The following areas of the main topic will be discussed - The Politics of the Language, Empowerment and Identity; Education and the Impact of the Culture on the Caribbean Diaspora; Creolization –Linguistics and Etymology; The depth and breadth of the Political Humor of Miss Lou; Louise Bennett-Coverley – the next National Heroine of Jamaica.- Moderator will be Dr. Marcia Magnus (FIU) a well-known educator and Diaspora Board member. and the audience will be able to participate in a question and answer period following the discussion.

Day 2 – (Friday,Feb 1st, (7:00 to 9:00 p.m.) Concert honoring Miss Lou and celebrating the first Birthday of the South Regional /BCC Library in the new LEED certified “Green” building.

Location – BCC South Campus, Performing and Cultural Arts Center, 7300 Pines Blvd.

Admission - A $10.00 donation to the “Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley Scholarship for the Performing Arts”

The February 1st concert, headlined by Joan Andrea Hutchinson, will be EmCeed by well-known Tenor and music impresario, Steve Higgins .and also marks the beginning of the Library’s Black History month celebrations. A supporting cast of local S.Fla. talent – Malachi Smith,Jeanne Powell, Tallawah Mento Band, Hyacinth Penso, Ja.Folk Revue, Sophia Nicholson and the Sierra Norwood Calvary Baptist Church, Early Childhood Center and Fashions from” Kulture Klothes by Isis”, ensures an evening of unparalled ,“bellyful kulcha.”

The major Sponsors of this exciting, multidisciplinary event are the Jamaica Tourist Board, Caribbean Today, American Airlines, Broward Community College and Friends of the S.Regional Library. Current contributors are Joan Seaga- Gonzalez and the Ja. Folk Revue.For more information please contact Marjorie Hall –Friends of the S.Regional Library- (954)201-8828 E-mail –marjoriehp@aol.com or Jamaica Folk Revue (305)235-8410.

Copies of Miss Lou’s Books, DVD’s,and CD’s will be on sale at both functions.