Ani Difranco: The Inspiration of My Wild Soul

Barack Mandela, a military veteran, was inspired by singer/songwriter Ani Difranco.. (Barack’s Personal Collection)

I converted to Reform Judaism in 1995, and I converted to Orthodox Judaism in 1997. After completing law school, I moved to the Jewish Pico-Robertson community in Los Angeles.

Within my heart, my soul was torn apart between my identity as a black man in America and my newly established Jewish identity. I didn’t know if I belonged in the Jewish community. Deep within my core, I felt that American Jewish identity was a “white identity”. As a black man, I felt I didn’t belong in white Jewish spaces.

As I struggled with the turmoil of my inner struggle, a Jewish friend named “Rena Rothschild” loaned me an album by singer/songwriter Ani Difranco. With enthusiasm, I listened to Difranco’s poem “The Slant”. I was immediately stuck by her honesty, power, and creative genius.

For the next four years, I listened to Ani Difranco’s poems and songs. I felt that Difranco was struggling with her identity as a woman in a world controlled by men. Similarly, I was struggling with my identity as a black man in a white dominated world.

After listening to Difranco, I finally decided to begin writing my own poetry. I started to pour out my thoughts and feelings. I ripped open my inner soul and allowed my vibrant inner child to release his inner pain and anguish.

Now, I’ve published six books and dozens of poems. My journey as a writer began with Ani Difranco’s powerful first album. To this day, this is one of my favorite albums.

In honor of Ani Difranco, I have written this short poem titled “Black Jewish Man”:

I’m supposed to be a strong black man

I’m supposed to do all that I can

To uplift my people

To heal the pain of my people

I’m following Martin Luther King

I’m serving the King of Kings

Without losing the song I sing

Up and Up I go

Following in the footsteps of Ani Difranco

Life is a gift that God has given

I’m a black man who empowers women