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

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.