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Students, faculty, staff and community members had the opportunity to experience the inspiring music of Florence Price at ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÆƽâ°æ’s special Black History Month event, “Resistance through Music: Florence Price,” on Wednesday, Feb. 19 featuring internationally acclaimed GRAMMY award-winning pianist . This event was held at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, located at 250 W. Seventh St., Erie, Pa. 16501. Cann, prior to the performance, spent time with students from Erie Public Schools to discuss the importance of Price’s legacy through music.  

This powerful, ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÆƽâ°æ student-led program highlighted the life and works of Florence Price (1887-1953), the first African American woman to have a major symphony orchestra perform her compositions. Despite her extraordinary talent and contributions to American music, Price’s legacy has often been overlooked. This event aimed to honor her impact and bring her music to a wider audience while exploring her historical context. 

The evening also featured members of the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra alongside Cann. Cann, known for her passionate advocacy of Price’s music, has earned worldwide recognition for her dynamic performances and scholarly insight into Price’s compositions. 

"Florence Price’s music is a testament to resilience, creativity, and grace,” said Carolyn Baugh, Ph.D., associate professor of History and Global Languages at ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÆƽâ°æ. “Through this event, we have an opportunity not only to experience the brilliance of her compositions but also to recognize the historical challenges she faced. Recently, Michelle Cann won a GRAMMY for an album of Florence Price’s music, so this is certainly timely. Dr. Parris Baker, the ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÆƽâ°æ students, and I are honored to bring Price's legacy to the forefront and celebrate her rightful place in the American musical tradition." 

³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÆƽâ°æ extends its gratitude to the following organizations for their generous support in making this event possible: The Harry Burleigh Legacy Alliance, The Erie Community Foundation, The Erie Philharmonic, First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, WQLN, Clean Footprint, Erie's Black Wall Street, Thrive Therapy Space, GECAC, Diverse Erie and the Jefferson Educational Society.