Bea Breaks Barriers!: How Florence Beatrice Price's Music Triumphed Over Prejudice

2025 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book Winner

Here is the little-known story of Florence Beatrice “Bea” Price, who faced many obstacles, including systemic racism and sexism, as she pushed forward to become one of the greatest Black classical composers.

Florence Beatrice “Bea” Price loved music from a young age. When she wasn’t practicing on the piano, she tapped her feet, drummed her fingers, and whistled. Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, she was surrounded by Negro spirituals, classi...