Mrs. Leah was born in Madisonville, Louisiana to Creole Catholic parents; she moved to New Orleans when she was only eighteen. While in New Orleans, Leah began working at the Colonial Restaurant on Charters Street – she has been in the restaurant business ever since. At the age of twenty-two, Leah married musician Edgar Chase, whose family owned Dooky Chase. She began working in the restaurant as a hostess but later became a chef and converted the menu to reflect her own family’s Creole recipes.

As an African American woman, Leah participated strongly in the Civil Rights movement; her restaurant even acted as a gathering place for blacks during the years of segregation in the South. She promoted African American artwork and adorned the walls of the restaurant with such pieces. Soon the restaurant became a reflection of Leah herself, and the black community. Along with being a Civil Rights activist, Mrs. Leah has received many awards for both her culinary ability and her community service.

And still, through her role as both a civil and community leader; beyond her many awards for cuisine and service alike, there is another reason how Mrs. Leah has influenced my city.