Acclaimed soprano Karen Slack speaks with KGNU’s Sanford Baran about her career, inspirations, and upcoming recital in Denver, featuring the "African Queens" project. Slack reflects on her non-classical music upbringing and pivotal moments that led her to opera. She discusses her frustration with traditional operatic roles and the lack of representation for Black stories, which inspired her to create the "African Queens" project—a tribute to unsung African queens and warriors. As an advocate for inclusivity in classical music, Slack emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented voices and pushing boundaries in the art form.