I was really caught off-guard - interview with Dr Allan Cunningham of People Profile, but I enjoyed reading it! Seems I do know 'who' I am, 'whose' I am and 'why' I am, after all!
Our “Modern day Miss Lou” shares similar dreams and aspirations of this cultural giant. Susan Lycett Davis or Dr. Sue, as she is popularly known, appreciate the life and work of Miss Lou so much so that she has studied Miss Lou’s work and is aiming to show the Jamaican language and culture to a wider world and to facilitate its role in shaping Jamaica’s cultural and social landscape post-independence.
Therefore, this week on People Profile we have as our guest Dr. Susan Lycett Davis.
Dr. C
Welcome to People Profile Dr. Sue. Most people are comparing you to the Jamaican Icon Miss Lou. Could you please tell us who is Dr. Sue and where did this all started?
Susan Lycett Davis
Hi Dr. C, it certainly is a pleasure to speak with you. Once I earned my doctorate people started calling me Dr. Sue (endearment I suppose) and as I shared Ms. Lou pieces and represent Auntie
Roachie….they started comparing me to Ms. Lou
Dr. C
Wow, that is indeed a privilege to be compared to such icon. I saw you some time ago all dressed and looking like her as well. What is your fondest memory of Miss Lou?
Susan Lycett DavisHer encouragement- I had the privilege of meeting her at 10 years of age when I had won an
island-wide essay competition and was invited to Kings House! She embraced me then and encouraged me to keep writing!
Dr. C
That’s awesome Dr. Sue. I realized that you have had a book signing and launch recently. Could you tell us a little about that?
Susan Lycett Davis
Yes, I recently launched my second book of poems entitled ‘I am Jamaica’! It is a compilation of poems that speaks specifically to Jamaica’s heritage e.g. It’s flag, it’s heroes, its various festive holidays…because, as I entertain, I like to educate.
The launch was an opportunity to share the pieces with the public.
Dr. C
Well congratulations mi dear! (In Miss Lou’s voice lol). Where would one be able to look at excerpts from your book, poems that you have written, or any other literary work of yours’s?
Susan Lycett Davis
Amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com
Dr. C
Thank you so much Dr. Sue. I understand that you are a strong advocate for child abuse. Could you shed some light on that journey?
Susan Lycett Davis
My first book (a Table-Top publication) is called ‘Ode to Miss Lou from the Soul of Dr Sue’!! It comprised 50 poems, for Jamaica’s 50th year of independence and my 50th birthday! How cool was that? lol
Dr. C
Sounds like a winner to me! lol
Susan Lycett DavisAs a mentor for the youth, I have encountered many Jamaica,
UK and USA who have had horrific experiences of sexual abuse. I also encounter adults dealing with the unresolved effects of their experiences. I too have been a victim, so I advocate for giving a voice to the voiceless. As such I support the NUH GUH DEH campaign out of Jamaica and the Protect them campaign here…to bring awareness and try to stop society pushing this atrocity under the carpet!
My first book speaks to these issues…among other things.
Dr. C
Ok…Who is your role model, and why?
Susan Lycett Davis
You stump me again!!! There are so many…
Dr. C
Name two…
Susan Lycett Davis
My mother…she’s an encourager, always a friend and confidant and my prayer warrior!
Miss Lou was – I admired her multi-faceted scope in loving & caring for children, entertaining, writing, broadcasting, educating…and flying Jamaica high!
Dr. C
Wonderful…please explain to our readers the differences from your perspective between Dr. Sue, Dr. Davis, and Simple Sue…lol
Susan Lycett Davis
Dr. Sue is the writer, Poet, and entertainer known in the Jamaican community.
Dr. Davis is the Associate Professor, educator, mediator, and professional development facilitator …Simply Susan is Christian, confidant, socialite, life of a party, philanthropist, traveler, auntie to many, and mother to more.
Dr. C
A woman that wears many hats I see!
What do you do for fun Dr. Sue?
Susan Lycett Davis
I live…
I make my life fun…I am passionate about whatever I do!
I ensure I have balance. I work hard…and I play hard too!!! I live, love and laugh!
Dr. C
What advice did you get that was the most rewarding?
Susan Lycett Davis
As a young adult without knowing for sure what direction I wanted to go in life …my mother advised me to just be a sponge and soak up everything (knowledge, skills and experiences) as they’d all serve me well one day! Now…I’m understanding and happy I did as she advised!
Dr. C
That was very wise of her. What is one food you wouldn’t want to give up?
Susan Lycett Davis
Egg
Yes…eggs any which way!!! lol
Dr. C
Egg? lol….well, it was said that eggs are the most nutritious food.
If you won a million dollars what would you buy? And please don’t tell me eggs! lol
Susan Lycett DavisLol
I would give more than I would buy!
Can’t think…maybe upgrade my car, and secure a nice ‘apartment’, ensure all my ‘sponsored children’ worldwide are given a financial endowment then share balance with family and friends. Sounds like I need 2-3 million..lol.
Dr. C
That’s very noble of you. Who is smarter Breda Anansi or Breda Tocuman?
Susan Lycett Davis
Breda Anansi, him always out smart Tocuma
Dr. C
lol…..Dr.Sue you have been a good sport. Thanks for sharing your time on People Profile. Walk goodmy friend.
Susan Lycett Davis
It was a pleasure Dr. C, you got me good and proper…was caught off guard with that impromptu interview….but it’s all good! The subject matter is something/someone I know well. Thanks for the opportunity.
Regards - Dr Sue