In the fifth episode of FIU’s Mellon-funded ‘Commons for Justice’ series, Under the Miami Sun: Stories of Race, Risk, and Resilience, we journey to Coconut Grove, Miami’s oldest neighborhood, where deep Bahamian roots and community spirit stand strong against the pressures of gentrification, environmental injustice, and cultural erasure. This episode delves into the rich history and ongoing challenges of Coconut Grove, a community deeply rooted in Bahamian culture and long cherished as a cultural and spiritual hub. It highlights the enduring legacies of Macedonia Baptist Church and Christ Episcopal Church, sanctuaries that have provided faith, solidarity, and hope for generations, while also exposing the environmental injustices caused by the Old Smokey incinerator and the community’s ongoing fight for accountability. Through compelling interviews with residents, leaders, and advocates like Carolyn Donaldson and G.R.A.C.E., the episode explores the Grove’s struggle to preserve its ide...