Beyond the Murals
A Conversation with our Neighbors
This photo essay is the first installment of a larger project capturing images and stories of members of the Highland Community in Niagara Falls, NY. Sara Heidinger is the lead photographer on the project and as part of the project, trained and worked with two apprentices, Kayleigh Day and Janae Gilmer. She taught them photography basics and had them help record the stories of each person photographed and shown in this show.
Heidinger says as a photographer, she is deeply drawn to the power of storytelling through portraits. Her work focuses on capturing the essence of individuals by allowing their stories to emerge through images and words. In this current project, a portrait series set in the Highland Community of Niagara Falls, NY, she aims to document personal narratives in a style reminiscent of Humans of New York. This project is especially meaningful as it captures the voices of community members reflecting on their COVID-19 experiences, the needs of their neighborhood, and the stories they wish to share through artistic expression.
This work is currently on display at the Cotton Factory in Hamilton, Canada and will be on display at Power City in Niagara Falls, NY this January.
Peggy and Willy Jordan’s story is one of love, faith, and community. Peggy, a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, cherishes her roots, with family ties stretching back to Alabama. Willy, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, moved to Niagara Falls at just four years old. When asked what they love most about their community, Willy warmly shared how much he appreciates that “everyone knows everyone,” while Peggy smiled and reminisced about the lifelong friendships she’s nurtured since kindergarten and the joy of growing up together.
Their love story is deeply intertwined with their faith. Peggy, originally a member of a Baptist church, joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church when she married Willy. They’ve now been happily married for 59 years, with Willy being a devoted member of the church for 75 years.
When we asked for a fond memory, Willy proudly recalled Bruce Carter, a choir member from their church, who went on to record music—a moment of pride for their congregation and community.
Pocahontas Sanchez's journey to Niagara Falls began in 1997, leaving behind the bustling streets of NYC for a new chapter. In 2003, she found a home at St. John, drawn in by Mother Joy's guidance and the inspiring choir. It didn’t take long for the warmth and love of the people to make her feel like this was truly her place.
Though life took her away from the church for a time, meeting Pastor Brooks brought her back, rekindling her connection. "St. John has the love of God here," she shared, reflecting on the community’s resilience and its gradual revival.
The post-COVID recovery was challenging, but Pocahontas is filled with hope as she sees the church thriving once again. Every Sunday brings more energy, more young faces, and a stronger spirit. She fondly remembers the strength of the Mothers and prayer warriors and eagerly looks forward to seeing the church flourish as it once did.
