Independent Lens Season 12 Episode 14 When I Rise

When I Rise is the 14th episode of the 12th season of Independent Lens. This documentary film follows the life story of Barbara Smith Conrad, a gifted black mezzo-soprano who faced discrimination and racial prejudice during the height of the Civil Rights Era.

Growing up in the small town of Center, Texas during the 1950s and 60s, Barbara was a talented singer who dreamed of one day performing on the grand stages of the world. But her dreams were nearly crushed when, as a student at the University of Texas at Austin, she was cast as the lead in a school opera, only to be replaced by a white singer because of her race.

Despite this setback, Barbara persevered, and with the help of civil rights activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and her mentor and composer Goplana Kodaly, she was able to overcome the racial barriers that threatened to derail her career.

Through interviews with Barbara herself, as well as music experts and other musicians, When I Rise offers a powerful and intimate portrait of this remarkable woman. We see her struggle against racism and discrimination in the music industry, and how she ultimately triumphed by using her talent and passion for music as a way to bridge the racial divide.

The film also explores the cultural and political context of the times, as the Civil Rights Movement was transforming America and challenging the entrenched systems of racial segregation and prejudice. We see how Barbara's story played out against this backdrop, and how her own personal journey was intertwined with the larger struggle for racial justice and equality.

When I Rise is a moving and inspiring tribute to a truly remarkable woman. Her courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming obstacles stand as a testament to the power of art and music to unite people across racial and cultural divides. This film is a must-see for anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement, music, or the human spirit.