When I Rise is a newly released documentary film about Center Point, Texas native Barbara Smith-Conrad.  Its Northeast Texas free showing was June 18 at Mt. Pleasant’s Elizabeth Whatley Center for the Performing Arts.  Documentary presentations are nearly always exciting events because one sees the real faces the writers and producers. But in this case the subject of the showing was actually in attendance and a native to the area, and mingled with those who came, and answered their questions.  Barbara Smith Conrad, one of the world’s most renowned mezzo-sopranos was back in her home territory to interact with the audience after the film’s screening.

When I Rise is Smith-Conrad’s powerful biography–a brilliant University of Texas music student who, in the late 1950s, met racial discrimination head-on, overcame it and rose to superstardom in international opera.  Released by the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin When I Rise was produced by Alpheus Media in association with Allentown Productions.  Directed by renowned Austin-based filmmaker Matt Hames it was produced in part by Academy Award winning producer James Moll and award-winning filmmaker Michael Rosen.

Smith-Conrad encountered institutionalized racism at the University of Texas at Austin when she learned the color of her flesh was more significant to the school’s administration than her boundless talent.  Originally cast in a scholastic opera production with a white leading man she was expelled from the cast.  This precipitated national news coverage and personal support from singer Harry Belafonte.  Refusing to be discouraged by this unfair treatment she persevered in her calling, staying at the university and earning her Bachelor of Music degree in 1959 before going on to become one of the greatest female vocalists in the world.

State Representative Bryan Hughes, District 5 speaks for Camp, Harrison, Upshur and Wood Counties.  order pills online without prescription He also attended and gave Smith-Conrad a ringing introduction.

“As her state representative I’m honored to help welcome Barbara back to her home state.  Her story is an important part of the history of human rights, and her faith and dignity throughout her ordeal are truly inspirational,” he said.

AT&T Northeast External Affairs Director Candice Gast was also there and made it clear why her corporation supports such productions as When I Rise.

“Her life is amazing.  The film showcases an extraordinarily talented woman whose journey to overcome bigotry on her way to becoming a world famous opera singer is nothing short of incredible,” she said.  “We are proud to support programs like this documentary and other multicultural outreach efforts that demonstrate that all individuals are valued and all voices should be heard.”

AT&T helped finance the film, and Southwestern Electric Power Company paid for Smith-Conrad’s appearance at the Whatley Center.

When I Rise has earned official selection by the 2010 Dallas International Film Festival, the Hot Docs International Festival in Toronto, the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin and the New York International Film Festival.  The quality of this movie is undeniable. Its executive producer and executive director of the Briscoe Center, Dr. Don Carleton, believes the location of the documentary’s release is fitting.

“We’ve only shown the film to a few audiences so far, and we’re very pleased that the people of Northeast Texas, where the story originated, are among the first to view it,” he said.

Smith-Conrad reminisced about her happy and innocent childhood in her tiny hometown of Center Point, sandwiched between Pittsburg and Mt. Pleasant.  It was a time and place where she could sing her heart out for her friends, family and church without being unfairly judged.

“My whole family was musical,” she said.  “As a teenager my mother took me to concerts.”

She soon realized, however, the outside world was very different.  Still, at home, she was shielded from racial tension as her loving father was her strength and protector, and her grandmother soothed any hurt feelings she might have by reading to her from the Holy Scriptures.  Those in her community loved her and she loved them.  She called Center Point her “place of strength.”

At the Northeast Texas premier of When I Rise – a title taken from one of her favorite songs, ‘When I rise give me Jesus, she was asked how she succeeded against such long odds.  She replied that it is best to use everything given by one’s family and community and to remember it is never too late to bandage old wounds.  She advised teachers and help providers to trust their instincts and be honest with those they are trying to reach.

When someone asked her how to become a big star like her, she replied with simplicity to ask oneself, “Do I really have the gift?”  If the truthful answer is yes, then develop that talent. Conrad  did develop her talents.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

She starred with the New York Metropolitan Opera from 1982 to 1989, with the Vienna State Opera, Venezuela’s Teatro Nacional, the Houston Grand Opera, the New York City Opera, the Pitsburgh Opera and other major musical venues throughout America, Europe, Canada and South America.  In 1977 she portrayed famed contralto Marian Anderson in the TV-movie Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years. In 1987 President Ronald Reagan invited her to the White House to sing at Lady Bird Johnson’s 75th birthday celebration.

Particularly sweet was was when the University of Texas Ex-Students Association named her a Distinguished Alumnus in 1985 and, in her honor, created the Barbara Smith-Conrad Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Fine Arts.  It took awhile, but the university did a 180-degree turnaround in its treatment of this remarkable woman.

Her unselfish side came through with her recommendation to not just accept, but give support and assistance to one’s family and community be it your school or church.

Center Point Highlights:

Center Point was founded by newly freed slaves in 1865, and took its name from its location at the intersection of two major thoroughfares.  By 1873 it had a church, and the first school was founded in 1889.  Education soon became a matter of major importance to the residents.  In 1916 the sale of public bonds and a $6000 grant from the Julius Rosenwald Foundation financed the construction of a four-room school and a library.

During the Great Depression the town’s population declined significantly, with the school’s enrollment down to 78 students in 1938.  In 1955 Center Point merged with the Pittsburg Independent School District.  One of the students that year was a lovely young lady named Barbara Smith.