In the provided story, a young Black woman named Zora encounters racial discrimination while trying to buy fabric for a dress and attend a jazz performance at a whites-only theater. Refusing to be defeated, she organizes an impromptu concert with other Black musicians, proving that their art and community do not need the approval of a segregated society to thrive. This act of defiance at the age of sixteen solidifies her resolve to carve out her own space in the world. The story concludes with Zora, a part-time seamstress, meticulously preparing a new dress for a performance at a juke joint, symbolizing her determination to claim her place as an artist despite the challenges she faces.

Zora Cunningham is a sixteen-year-old with a dream and a voice to match. Living in early 20th-century New Orleans, she is a gifted singer whose "rich and smoky" voice captivates audiences. Despite her immense talent, she faces significant racial and social barriers that keep the doors of opportunity shut. Fueled by an unyielding ambition and a refusal to be defined by society's expectations, Zora leaves New Orleans behind. She embarks on a journey to Harlem, a place she believes will finally give her the stage she deserves.