Miss Lou's Vision, Today's Reality: How Jamaican Language Has Become a Global Passport

Winsome M. Sherrier Witter
4 days ago
3 min read

Honouring a Cultural Icon

September holds deep cultural significance for Jamaicans globally as we reflect on the remarkable legacy of Louise Bennett-Coverley, affectionately known as Miss Lou. Her fearless advocacy for the Jamaican language helped redefine the nation's identity and garner global recognition.

This month's SRC Culture Corner Live Forum, hosted in collaboration with our valued partner JCDC, explored:

"Miss Lou's Vision, Today's Reality: How Jamaican Language Has Become a Global Passport."

We were privileged to engage with three cultural ambassadors: Abigail "Abi-D" Dunstan, 2025 Festival Song Winner, Joel Miller, award-winning filmmaker and educator, and Brithney Clarke, Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2025 and Jamaica Library Service Reading Ambassador.

The Heart of the Conversation

From music and film to literature and public advocacy, the Jamaican language (Patois) has transitioned from being stigmatised to being celebrated as a powerful vehicle of cultural identity. Here are key insights from each spotlight segment:

Abi-D: Music as a Bridge

Performing her song "Sweet Ja" in New York sparked an emotional connection with diaspora audiences.
She described Patois as offering a freedom and authenticity that English alone cannot convey.
For young creatives: "Don’t second guess yourself. Patois is not a barrier, it’s a bridge."

Joel Miller: Storytelling through Film

Emphasised the importance of cultural authenticity in his award-winning films Hairport, Blackbird, and Chiaroscurist.
Recounted winning international film awards despite using Jamaican dialect, reinforcing that quality storytelling transcends language.
Advised young filmmakers to "Know your audience, do your research, and read constantly."

Brithney Clarke: Literacy, Identity and Representation

Highlighted children’s excitement when encountering Patois in books and performances.
Advocated for its use in schools to foster literacy and cultural pride.
Called on parents and teachers to read with children and embrace Patois in everyday life.

Roundtable Reflections: The Power of Jamaican Language as a Passport

In our closing segment, all guests agreed that the Jamaican language has become a passport both literally and symbolically. It allows Jamaicans to connect globally while staying grounded in identity.

"Let us remove the shame from our language and recognise it as a source of power." – Joel Miller

"Be proud to speak Patois. It’s who we are." – Brithney Clarke

Call to Action: Keeping the Vision Alive

Here are practical steps we can take to honour Miss Lou's legacy:

Read Jamaican literature (especially Miss Lou’s works)
Start or support a culture club in your school or community
Engage with JCDC resources for youth arts, competitions and mentorship
Incorporate Patois in daily conversations and classroom learning
Support Jamaican creatives who use the language to uplift and educate

Let us be bold, be rooted and celebrate the language that unites us all.

Shout-outs:

Special thanks to the JCDC for their continued partnership in cultural development
Gratitude to the many schools who tuned in live, Foundation Preparatory School, Red Hills Primary, Brandon Hill Primary, Mount Alvernia High and others.

Watch the Replay

Missed the live event or want to revisit the rich discussion?

Watch the full Culture Corner Live Forum replay below:

Join the Movement

Stay connected by subscribing to our blog and following our SRC Culture Corner series. Let’s continue these vital conversations and empower our youth through language, identity and culture.

Visit: www.serenityresourceconnector.com

Walk good and keep Miss Lou's vision alive.