About Me — Nia Simone McLeod

“Now, this is a story about how my life got flipped-turned upside down…”

My mom wanted to name me after singer-songwriter and civil rights activist Nina Simone. I’ve often been asked about my connection with the legendary musician from friends and coworkers due to our similar names.

Their eyes are wide and wondrous as they await my answer like they hope I say, “Well, duh, she’s my grand aunt. I used to spend summers with her in France. As a baby, she sang “Feeling Good” to me as a lullaby. It drifted me right on to sleep…”

Sadly, I am not related to Nina Simone.

Mom chose her as my semi-namesake because of Simone’s musical talent and passion for political activism.

Dad didn’t want me to be named after a famous person. I guessed that it would have had the same effect as them naming me Beyoncé, or something.

They compromised with Nia Simone. Nia means “purpose” in Swahili and is the fifth principle of the African-American holiday Kwanzaa. Simone kept my tie…