In the fourth episode of FIU’s Mellon-funded ‘Commons for Justice’ series, Under the Miami Sun: Stories of Race, Risk, and Resilience, we explore Allapattah—a neighborhood shaped by its rich history, vibrant cultural diversity, and the resilience of its people in the face of rapid change.
Once a farming district and Miami’s produce hub, Allapattah grew into a multicultural haven shaped by migration and its Dominican community. From Little Santo Domingo to 17th Avenue’s small businesses, the neighborhood reflects deep cultural pride. Yet, gentrification and environmental risks like Wagner Creek pollution threaten its future. Leaders like Fabian MartÃnez, founder of Esquina de Abuela, and organizations like the Allapattah Collaborative CDC fight to preserve its heritage and support equitable development for long-term residents.
Through interviews with residents, leaders, and advocates, this episode captures Allapattah’s fight to safeguard its spirit, balancing its storied past with a h...