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"But you didn’t run away if your staying could make a difference, it could encourage other black kids. Mostly, it was a matter of pride."

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When I Rise: Conrad Interview | Season 12 Episode 13 | Independent Lens

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For Conrad - truly the embodiment of "Amazing Grace" - creativity is essential.

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Born on August 11, 1937, in Pittsburg Texas.

Attended University of Texas in 1956 as one of the first class of African American undergraduates. She was cast in the role of Dido, Queen of Carthage, in the student production of Dido and Aeneas. Controversy among the student body and fear of bad publicity over her romantic pairing in the role with a white student Joe Chapman, the Texas Legislature advised the university's president to intervene and the part was taken away from Conrad two weeks before the opera was set to open. Local and student media protested the decision, as did eight other legislators in Texas, and the story was picked up by Time.

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She performed alongside orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and the London, Boston, Cleveland, and Detroit symphonies and performed by invitation at both the White House in 1987 and for Pope John Paul II in New York City in 1995. As an educator, Conrad established a private studio as well as offering artist residencies and master classes. She was a co-founder of the Wagner Theater Program at the Manhattan School of Music, dedicated to training performers for Wagnerian roles, and served as its vocal director. The University of Texas offers a scholarship in the name of Conrad, whom they named a distinguished alumna in 1985.

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In this video interview, Conrad discusses how she is a civil rights pioneer who advocated for black women in the opera and educational industries. She had a documentary made about herself titled When I Rise to touch upon all aspects of her life. She went through brutal events in her earlier days, but needs to be creative and chooses to despite the challenges. She thinks we need to have situations that expand and challenge our youth intellectually. Following her dreams despite heavy racism and setbacks, Barbara Smith Conrad has become an inspiration for all of those who seek success with setbacks.

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I think that it is really amazing that she pushed through to accomplish her goals despite people trying to set her back due to her race. By making a documentary on her life, she sets an example for future generations and reflects on how powerful one person is if they are determined. Conrad has lived to see a turn of the century, growing up in the 40's and living up until 2017,  she was able to note how race has effected job opportunities and much more throughout the past 70 years of our country. I believe she places value in opportunity based on race and epitomizes determination and perseverance through strength which is admirable in a civil rights pioneer.