From the 'Baa Haas' to the Bay

Join us in SIPA II 102 to discuss the histories of Bahamian migration, displacement, and resilience in South Florida.
About this Event

This panel is presented by the

The history of South Florida is inextricably linked to the Bahamas, a connection forged through centuries of migration, labor, and cultural exchange. From the late nineteenth century, Bahamians crossed the Straits of Florida, driven by economic necessity and drawn by the burgeoning development of cities like Miami. This panel, presented by the Ten North Group, seeks to move beyond a simple linear narrative of arrival to explore the complex, layered histories of Bahamian communities in South Florida.

Our panelists, Lea Nickless (Artist and Curator), Dr. Valerie Patterson (Clinical Professor of Public Administration, FIU) and Gene Tinnie (Artist & Cultural Activist), will examine the twin forces of migration and displacement that have shaped these communities, from the early settlement patterns in bayside enclaves like Coconut Grove to the eventual push towards the northwest sections of Dade County and the current pressures of gentrification. By focusing on the history of racial and spatial politics, this panel aims to highlight the stories of resilience, community building, and resistance that are central to the Bahamian American experience. The discussion will be chaired by Dr. Willie Logan (Ten North Group).

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