"When I Rise" relates the story of mezzo-soprano Barbara Smith Conrad, who entered the University of Texas in 1957 as part of its first racially integrated undergraduate class only to be removed from the lead of a university opera because of her color. She went on to become a celebrated opera singer, starring in productions all over the world. The inspirational documentary features remarks from the charismatic diva; Harry Belafonte; and New York City Opera conductor Julius Rudel.