Good food, good music, good vibes, and a room full of people ready to listen. To each other, to history, and to the beat.
On Thursday, October 22, LifeCity brought together prominent investors from our community and beyond who are not only investing in what they believe in but are also eager to share their stories and inspire others. The evening came alive as guests gathered to enjoy good food and company at Chapter IV, Dook Chase’s restaurant. Chapter IV is a Creole restaurant led by Chef Dook, a fourth-generation member of the celebrated Chase family and grandson of the late Leah Chase of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.
The Cigar Box Serenaders
The event celebrated the vibrant culinary heritage of New Orleans, with delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks served as folks mixed and mingled, sharing their stories and experiences. These conversations were accompanied by the soundtrack of the Cigar Box Serenaders, a musical group that brought a distinctive local flair to the evening. The talented trio is known for playing traditional jazz, swing, and blues on instruments made entirely from upcycled materials and found objects. One of their larger drums, for instance, was an old trash can, reminiscent of the makeshift instruments children might play in the streets of the French Quarter.
Their homemade instruments offered a creative reminder that meaningful things can emerge from what is already around us. That spirit of resourcefulness resonates with community development, where local knowledge and the creativity of residents can be essential tools for progress.
The lively music was followed by inspiring remarks from civil rights activist Doratha “Dodie” Smith-Simmons, Roy Alston, Executive Director of Five Points Capital, and LifeCity CEO Liz Shephard.
Dodie, a Freedom Rider and cultural icon, brought a legacy rooted in activism and community life to the gathering. Her presence underscored the importance of lived experience, particularly her firsthand encounters with racial injustice, and the role personal stories can play in helping others understand the struggles, achievements, and ongoing work behind social change.
One central question she asked the audience was, “Where is democracy?” Her answer: “It is here within us. It is here in the younger generation.”
She emphasized that it is up to us to fight for what we believe in and stand up for what is right. While our elders may have paved the way, it is our responsibility to keep the path clear and walkable for future generations.
And then came a moment that brought the entire evening together.
As The Impact Hour drew to a close, Dodie invited everyone to form a circle and hold hands. Together, we began singing “We Shall Overcome.” In that moment, the conversations, stories, music, and lessons of the evening became something more than words. People stood side by side, connected through a song that has long served as an anthem of hope, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
There was something powerful about ending the evening this way. After spending time listening to one another and reflecting on the experiences that have shaped our communities, we came together in a simple but meaningful act of solidarity. Hand in hand, we were reminded that the work of creating change is not something we do alone. It requires community, courage, and a shared commitment to a better future.
The value of a gathering like The Impact Hour extends far beyond the hours spent together. Its true importance lies in what people carry forward from the experience. For those working in community development, supporting local initiatives, or simply seeking to make a positive difference, the evening offered an opportunity to reflect on what it takes to create meaningful change.
We must listen to our communities. We must recognize the value of personal stories and the perspectives they offer in understanding what our communities need. We must create safe spaces for people to connect, learn from one another, and build relationships. Most importantly, we must turn the lessons and inspiration we gain from these experiences into meaningful action and initiatives that move our communities forward.