Today, September 7, marks the 104th birthday anniversary of a cultural icon Louise Simone Bennett-Coverly, more commonly known as Miss Lou.

Louise Bennett was a beloved Jamaican poet, folklorist, writer and educator, who contributed to the popularisation of the Jamaican creole or patois.

Miss Lou has remained a household name for both the old and young today because of her contribution to the Jamaican culture. She is known for poems such as Colonization in Reverse, A’MERICA, No Likkle Twang and Dutty Tough.

To celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of the cultural legend, Our Today has compiled a list of five things you should know about Miss Lou.

5. She was the daughter of a bakery owner

Louise Bennett-Coverly was born on September 7, 1919, on North Street in Kingston to Augustus Cornelius Bennett, a bakery owner and Kerene Robinson, a dressmaker.

4. She was the wife of a theatre performer

Bennett-Coverly was the wife of another cultural icon Eric Winston Coverly, who was a promoter of the Jamaican theatre and culture.

3. Making history

Miss Lou was not only an excellent folklorist but she also made history as the first black student to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, England in 1945 after she was awarded a scholarship by the British Council.

2. She was a radio host

Miss Lou is a woman that wore many hats but did you know that she was also a radio host? Yes, after completing her studies in London, she went on to work with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to host the radio programmes Caribbean Carnival and West Indian Night.

1. Recipient of many distinguish awards

The cultural legend has been the recipient of several national awards and honours because of her contribution over the years to the country’s culture. These include the Norman Manley Award For Excellence in 1972, the Order of Jamaica in 1974 and the Jamaican Order of Merit in 2001.