Howard University Cellist Hannah Innis Champions Diversity in Classical Music

Image Credit: DC News Now

Howard University senior Hannah Innis is eagerly anticipating her final year as a cellist, culminating nearly 17 years of dedication to classical music.

Despite the excitement, her journey to this moment has been shaped by early challenges, particularly the discrimination she and her sister faced as Black musicians in predominantly white spaces.

“When we first started, my sister and I were the only Black people in the program,” Innis recalled in an interview with DC News NOW. “We faced discrimination at a young age, so eventually, we left.”

Innis’ story took a positive turn when she joined the Inner-City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles. There, she found a community that embraced her passion and her identity.

“It was empowering to be around kids who looked like me and shared my love for music,” Innis said.

This month, Innis is set to perform at the prestigious Kennedy Center, a milestone event where she hopes to inspire young people, especially Black youth, to explore classical music.

She recalls moments when children approached her and her sister after performances, motivated by the sight of Black women in a field where diversity is still rare.

“Seeing us perform makes them believe they can do it too,” Innis said. “That’s what drives me—getting kids interested in classical music.”

As Innis finishes her studies at Howard, she is also continuing her mission to make classical music more inclusive, using her talent and experiences to pave the way for future generations