Her older brother was George Freeman Bragg, publisher of the Afro-American Churchman and the Church Advocate.

She performed in the Petersburg region as a solo and ensemble singer (sometimes with the Selika Quartette), and as an organist, pianist, violinist, and guitarist.

During this time she was a member of the musical board of Petersburg's Chorannesse Literary and Social Club.

[10] In 1885, she had composed a waltz, a march dedicated to J. E. O'Hara, several sacred pieces, and the song Old Blandford Church.

[7] The latter is based on a poem found on the walls of the ancient church in Petersburg (written by a Eliza Hening of Petersburg, but often wrongly attributed to Tyrone Power[11]), and is the 2nd composition known to have been published by an African American woman (after Louise Smith's Forgive[12]).

[15][7] Adams corresponded about musical life in Baltimore, and brought her experience and professional network to the paper.

[16] She fought for fundraising, capital improvements (42 buildings were constructed during her tenure), salary increases and increased teaching standards (lengthening the school term from 10 weeks to 22 weeks, and obtaining high school degrees for many of her students).

[20][21] The Bragg family were the inspiration for Emory Waters' 2000 opera, The Edge of Glory, which was premiered in a concert staging by the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra.