In 2018, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens began engaging with long-time Black residents of Coconut Grove to explore their shared Bahamian heritage. Through these conversations, we learned that many elderly residents were deeply concerned about preserving their personal histories amid rapid neighborhood changes.
The First Forum
Motivated by this sense of urgency, Vizcaya dedicated three years to partnering with the Black community to document and share stories that celebrate both Bahamian and Coconut Grove heritage—stories especially important for inspiring younger generations.
On February 11, 2020, Vizcaya hosted the inaugural co-created panel discussion, “A Rich and Forgotten History of Black Coconut Grove.” This event brought together artists, historians, and scholars from the Grove and was presented in partnership with the historically Black G.W. Carver High School Alumni Association.
Finding a New Format
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, our onsite programming transitioned to an online format. Over the next nine months, Vizcaya collected twenty powerful oral histories from elderly Black residents, capturing everything from individual life stories to broader reflections on the neighborhood’s historic markers.
“The Rich & Forgotten History of Black Coconut Grove” podcast debuted in October 2021 and is now available on iTunes and all major podcast platforms, complete with captioned videos and transcripts for every episode.
SEASON 1
The Rich and Forgotten History of Black Coconut Grove” is a podcast that delves into the powerful and resilient heritage of the Black community in Coconut Grove, Miami. Through the personal stories of matriarchs like Thelma Anderson Gibson, Carol Davis Henley, and Iral Porter, the first season highlights the experiences of Black Bahamians who settled in the area in the late 1800s, emphasizing their significant contributions to the growth of Coconut Grove through farming, building, and their work at the historically white Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
The podcast explores how these pioneers’ prioritized education, overcoming systemic racism and segregation to create a close-knit, supportive community. Their perseverance, achievements, and dedication to preserving their history offer a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to honor their roots and strive for success despite adversity. The matriarchs aim to ensure their stories are accurately preserved for future generations through these conversations.
TRANSCRIPT | CLICK HERE TO READ
TRANSCRIPT | CLICK HERE TO READ
TRANSCRIPT | CLICK HERE TO READ
SEASON 2
The second season of The Rich and Forgotten History of Black Coconut Grove dives deeper into the community’s origins and resilience, emphasizing the vital importance of preserving history. The podcast highlights the challenges Black Bahamians faced in Coconut Grove, from systemic racism to their fight for homeownership and the unity they forged despite adversity. It sheds light on the influential figures in the community, like E.W.F. Stirrup and Helen Bentley, who supported and encouraged others to build a legacy.
Through the residents’ memories, the season reveals the impact of G.W. Carver High School, local churches and businesses like the Dew Drop Inn, which fostered educational excellence, social life, and inspiration for future generations. Ultimately, it underscores the collective effort to protect and honor the history and culture of present day, Little Bahamas, especially amidst ongoing gentrification.
