Barbara Smith Conrad came to the attention of the media when she was in college at the University of Texas. She was chosen for the lead in a school opera but HUGE problems came about because she was black and the leading man was white. Nowadays, such a thing is no big deal but in segregated Texas of the late 1950s, it was a HUGE deal--with even national newspapers and the famous singer Harry Belafonte getting into the fray! However, this is only PART of the story. It seems that it was only the beginning for Conrad, as she jumped from this event to New York--and to a serious career in the music industry--becoming a famous opera diva. So, the film is NOT just about racism but about her life following this event. Interesting and well worth seeing.
Review of When I Rise
When I Rise
(2010)
The life of Barbara Smith Conrad--quite inspiring and fascinating as well.
20 February 2012