# The 1970 song Nina Simone thought should’ve been “the next Black national anthem”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-1970-song-nina-simone-thought-shouldve-been-the-next-black-national-anthem/
- Published: 2026-11-02T20:48:14+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T21:21:13+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1970-song-nina-simone-black-national-anthem/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Simone hoped her song would become a Black national anthem.
- It was written in memory of Lorraine Hansberry.
- Weldon Irvine wrote the lyrics.

## Summary

Nina Simone wanted her song “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” to become the next Black national anthem. Written in memory of her friend Lorraine Hansberry, it expressed pride in Black identity and offered young listeners an affirming message during the civil rights era.

Simone’s daughter, Lisa, recalled that her mother considered the song more revolutionary than “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and urged her to know her roots and the song’s words. Its lyrics were written by Simone’s musical director, Weldon Irvine, giving a clear, direct voice to the celebration of young Black people.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.