Dreams Are Made Of

Test and images by Manon Beliot.

Washington Heights, known as “Little Dominica,” is 60 percent Dominican, with a strong sense of community.

A resident named Edison, who asked to not have his full name revealed, immigrated from the Dominican Republic. He said that St. Nicholas Avenue “feels like the Duarte Province,” with Spanish spoken in shops, music on the streets, people seated outside and Dominican culture everywhere.

Street life is lively, with people everywhere talking about life and the community.

Concerns are growing,. Joshua and Poly (below) sat near the intersection St. Nicholas Avenue and 178th Street discussing the rising rents.

Jeanie Duran (left in the picture above), was born and raised in Washington Heights. She is currently writing a book about her life and her struggles in this community.

Ilta, who declined to giver her last name, is from the Dominican Republic but is working in Washington Heights. “People are happier in Washington Heights than in The Bronx,” she claimed.