In 1972, when Nina Simone was honored by two Bay Area leaders in Rainbow Sign’s club room, San Francisco’s CBS local KPIX made sure to cover it. In the KPIX segment — narrated by Belva Davis, herself on the founding board of Rainbow Sign — Berkeley Mayor Warren Widener declares March 31 “Nina Simone Day” in Berkeley. Then Percy Steele Jr., Executive Director of the Bay Area Urban League, announces a campaign to make Simone’s song “Young, Gifted and Black” the new Black anthem.
These honors were orchestrated by Rainbow Sign impresario Mary Ann Pollar, who also appears briefly in the segment. Simone came to perform in support of Rainbow Sign that weekend because of her relationship with Pollar, whom she had known for many years as a promoter and friend. When journalist Phillip Elwood asked, “Why did Miss Simone, who commands five-figure concert fees, sing for less than 1000 people in two nights––crowded into Rainbow Sign’s 220-capacity recital hall?” Simone explained, “Because I had to be here and do this for someone I love–– and I love Mary Ann Pollar, a very old and dear friend.”
Simone called Rainbow Sign “a very peaceful, wonderful place” and announced “I am pleased to be a part of it.” Like her friends Maya Angelou, James Baldwin and Odetta, Simone believed in the educational mission of Rainbow Sign: in the paramount importance of reaching the youth, instilling in them a sense of both hope and responsibility; and providing them with the tools and mentorship they need to succeed. After meeting the press and receiving her proclamations that day, Simone took time to speak with two young girls in the hallway at Rainbow Sign, impressing upon them the message that talent is lost without hard work and dedication.
“You are young, gifted and Black
We must begin to tell our young
There’s a world waiting for you
Yours is the quest that’s just begun”
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Video Transcript:
Voiceover of Anchorperson (Belva Davis):
“She’s been given the name ‘The High Priestess of Soul’ by her peers in the music world, Nina Simone is admired the world over both for her composing and performing abilities. That’s why Berkeley’s mayor, Warren Widener declared today Nina Simone Day in that city and presented the singer with a special proclamation to that effect.
Warren Widener:
I Warren Widener, mayor of the City of Berkeley, do hereby proclaim Friday March 31st, 1972, as ‘Nina Simone Day’ in appreciation of the great dignity, bearing and uniqueness of Miss Simone and in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the Rainbow Sign, the Black cultural center of the City of Berkeley. Nina, for you.
Nina Simone:
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Belva Davis (voiceover):
And then the director of the Urban League singled her out for another honor:
Percy Steele Jr.:
I am both pleased and proud to announce to you, and to the world, that we have a personal– a proposal designed to launch a campaign in this area to officially proclaim your hit, “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” as a new Black anthem.
Nina Simone:
I can only say that I am stunned and I am pleased and I am… that’s it. Thank you very much (laughs).
[All young people] from ages three on, know that song by heart, “Young, Gifted and Black”
Belva Davis (voiceover):
Miss Simone wrote the song, “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” in honor of her friend, the late Lorraine Hansberry, author of the successful play, Raisin in the Sun.
Her appearance in the rather small auditorium of Berkeley’s Rainbow Sign club, was in honor of another friend, promoter Mary Ann Pollar, manager of the Black community club. She will appear in concert there Friday and Saturday. Belva Davis for Eyewitness News, Berkeley.
