In recognition of Black History Month, Horace Alexander Young, Associate Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies in the School of Music, is hosting a showing of WHEN I RISE, a documentary about the trials and experiences of his maternal cousin, opera legend, Barbara Smith Conrad and her battle and triumph over racism at the beginnings of her career in music. The date of the showing is Sunday, February 23, at 4 p.m. in K-101. The film will be followed by a group talk-back with attendees and hosts, involving the topics highlighted in the film and also a short presentation about a previous Black opera legend, Jules Bledsoe, whose work in the professional arena preceded Ms. Conrad’s career. That portion will be presented by James Bledsoe, a cousin of Jules Bledsoe, who is a long-standing staff member at WSU.
See the documentary promo on You Tube, WHEN I RISE:
