A gifted black music student at the University of Texas is thrust into a civil rights storm that changes her life forever. Barbara Smith Conrad is cast in an opera to co-star with a white male classmate, fueling a racist backlash from members of the Texas legislature. When Barbara is expelled from the cast, the incident escalates to national news, prompting unexpected support from a pop superstar.

This small-town girl, whose voice and spirit stem from her roots in East Texas, emerges as an internationally celebrated mezzo-soprano and headlines on stages around the world.

When I Rise is an inspirational journey toward finding forgiveness within oneself.

Immediately following the film, enjoy a discussion followed by a Q and A moderated by Dr. Dwonna Goldstone, director of the African American Studies program at Texas State University and author of the book "Integration of the 40 Acres: A Fifty-Year Struggle for Racial Equality at the University of Texas". Panelists include film director, Emmy Award winner Matt Hames; Peggy Shivers - philanthropist, classical vocalist and cousin of Barbara Smith Conrad; Dr. Jullia Battle - Doctor of Philosophy, Music Education and Administration; film star and Soprano Icy Simpson Monroe and Mezzo Soprano Veronica C. Williams.