The Fourth Annual Louise Bennett-Coverley (LB-C) Reading Festival, under the distinguished patronage of the Hon. Sandra Grant-Griffiths, Consul General of Jamaica, will take place on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at the South Regional – Broward College Library, 7300 Pines Boulevard, at 6:00 p.m.

This year’s LB-C Reading Festival will feature a panel discussion of the topic: “Mi Fren

Miss Lou -Then and Now” and her Relevance in today’s Society. The festival will also mark the launch of the Library’s Black History month celebration as well as the fourth Anniversary of the Library as a Green LEED building.

A spirited and humorous discussion is expected from Invited panelists who include several persons who worked with Miss Lou in her varied cultural presentations, books and audio materials. Panelists are the Rev. Easton Lee, CD, well-known composer, poet and playwright; Dr. Ivy Claudette Armstrong, Healthcare professional, Poet and Public Speaker and Dr. Susan Davis -Actress, Poet and Educator.  Moderator will be Dr. Marcia Magnus and entertainment for the afternoon will be provided by the Jamaican Folk Revue Singers, among others.

“We are grateful for the generous support from the corporate and public communities over the past three years, of this event.” stated Norma Darby, Founder & Director Emeritus, Jamaican Folk Revue, who conceptualized the Reading Festival. “It (the reading festival) seeks to explore and address the immense influence on Jamaicans at home and abroad, by the late Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, O.J., author, comedienne, social commentator and Jamaica’s Cultural Ambassador, as we preserve her legacy for future generations.”

Admission to the event is FREE and Refreshments will be provided. Signed books, CD’s  and other items will be on sale.  The reading festival is the first of two events produced by the Louise Bennett-Coverley Scholarship Foundation which provides annual scholarships to students at the Edna Manley School of Drama in Jamaica. The Miss Lou Community Tribute and Scholarship fundraiser is scheduled for June 5, 2011.