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.