To be Young, Gifted and Black" by Nina Simone was released in 1969. It was written in collaboration with lyricist Weldon Irvine and was dedicated to the memory of Lorraine Hansberry, a close friend of Simone and the playwright of the same-titled play Young, Gifted and Black. Hansberry's work and activism inspired Nina Simone to create the song as a powerful anthem celebrating Black pride, identity and youth.