CROSSING THE WATERS: The Impact of Bahamian Pioneers in South Florida

Bahamians have a long and surprisingly complicated history with places and communities in America. This film reveals, engages, educates, and preserves pertinent history about the enormous impact of Bahamian pioneers in South Florida. In Coconut Grove, early Bahamian settlers played pivotal roles in the development and growth of vibrant communities. The history of Fort Lauderdale was enriched early on by Bahamian settlers sharing their skills of trading, farming, fishing, masonry, and wrecking on the New River. With Miami, Fort Lauderdale and neighboring communities situated close to the Bahamas, most of the US- affiliated businesses operating in the Bahamas today have largely to do with tourism, thus keeping the ties across the waters strong and everlasting.

Director: Dr. Michele Dallas earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Georgetown University. She earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and completed an Advanced General Dentistry Residency Program at Howard University College of Dentistry. Dr. Dallas is the first African American woman to practice dentistry in Broward County.

The film is preceded by the following short film:

FEAR NOT

Directed by Annette M. King & Ivanovich Ingabire / Florida Premiere

Cote d’Ivoire / 2022 / 21 min / English & French / Doc

Growing up impoverished in the Ivory Coast, Evelyne Keomian was deprived of education and slipped into schools in a culture where only boys were afforded education. Determined to break the cycle of poverty through education, she founded the Karat School Project (KSP) in the Ivory Coast to empower the next generation of leaders.

Writers: Anna Aronovic, Annette M. King, Raquel Tull, Rose Luczaj / Producer: Annette M. King / Featuring: Evelyne Keomian 

Special Guest: Dr. Michelle Dallas and  Annette King

Sponsored by: Judy Ricki and Barbra Stern