On the evening of February 12, 2025, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens became a living archive of history as elders from Little Bahamas in Coconut Grove gathered to share their stories.
Through heartfelt recollections, tales of resilience, and reflections on the changing landscape of the Grove, this night with descendants of the Black Grove settlers and the GW Carver Alumni Association became more than just an event—it was a bridge between generations.
Growing Up in Little Bahamas
The evening began with personal accounts from community elders who painted vivid pictures of what life was like growing up in Coconut Grove. They spoke of unpaved streets lined with mango trees, days spent playing in the neighborhood, and the sense of family that extended beyond blood ties.
One speaker, Charles Whittle, recalled the village-like atmosphere, where every adult acted as a guardian to every child. “If you got into trouble on one side of town, by the time you got home, your mother already knew,” he laughed. Others, like Richard Curry, reminisced about the strong ties to the Bahamas, where traditions, dialects, and cuisine remained central to daily life. “Every house smelled like something good was cooking,” Curry shared. “Fish frying, pigeon peas boiling—you could always tell what was for dinner just by walking down the street.”…