Leela Vernon, Belizean musician and cultural conservationist (died 2017)

Leela Vernon MBE was a Belizean cultural icon noted for her contributions to preserving Creole culture in the country. She was awarded the title "Queen of Brukdown", received the Order of the British Empire for promoting Creole culture and music, and was named the Brukdown Artist of the Year in 2004. She was honored as National Hero in 2016 by the National Institute of Culture and History.

October 21 is the 294th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 71 days remain until the end of the year.