The Miseducation of Black Women: What Lauryn Hill Means To Women Of Color
In 1998, a 23-year-old lyricist from South Orange, New Jersey released a project that would influence and inspire women of color for years to come. Every chance we play Lauryn Hill's record-breaking solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, we experience the magic all over again.
The relevance of her first and only solo studio album is undeniable and is especially relevant to the narrative of women of color. The album takes us on an authentic and raw journey through what it means to be a Black woman. In commemoration of the album's anniversary, we've taken the time to give you an analytical track-by-track review of what Lauryn Hill's album meant and still means to women of color.
"Intro"
This 47-second track sets the scene for Lauryn's narrative, where a teacher, played by politician and poet Ras Baraka, takes attendance in a classroom setting. At the end of the role, Baraka calls Lauryn's name as the audio fades out. Her absence implies the overall theme of her "miseducation" in the project. Genius.com implies that this could be an analogy to her, like all of us, missing some of life's most important lessons by not staying present.
"Lost Ones"
"Lost Ones" is the audience's first time hearing Lauryn's signature Caribbean influence on the album, and also serves as one of the greatest diss tracks of all time. The subtle innuendos throughout the track elude to her messy break-up from a former lover, as well as her split with her longtime group members after leaving the Fugees. "Lost Ones" is a bold f*ck you and a testament to women's increasingly progressive emancipation from their oppressors.
"Ex-Factor"
The definition of insanity is continuing to do something repeatedly and expect a different result. We're all pretty f*cking crazy because I don't know one person who can't relate to the eerily familiar lyrics to "Ex-Factor."
"I keep letting you back in/ How can I explain myself?/ As painful as this thing has been/ I just can't be with no one else"
The song has been frequently sampled in popular songs, including recent hits like Drake's "Nice For What" and Cardi B.'s "Be Careful," frankly because it's so damn relevant. We are all guilty of being swindled of our hearts from someone who said they would die for us, leaving us to wonder: But would you live for me tho?
"To Zion"
"To Zion" answers a question that has been relevant to women since the dawn of time. Can we have both? Women are often told that once we decide to have a child, our professional and personal lives are no longer worth fulfillment. In the song, Lauryn candidly discusses the decision she made to keep her baby, Zion, despite her dreams, and in return, Zion has given her the greatest joy in her life.
Lauryn really lets all of her femininity hang out on this track. She refutes critics who told her to use her head, and did what women do best: used her heart. In this track, she depicts the love between mother and child and proves that this connection is the truest reflection of God's grace.
"Doo Wop (That Thing)"
This track is the quintessential 'check yourself, before you wreck yourself' anthem for people of color. "Doo Wop (That Thing)" is a requiem of protest for exploited black bodies, and the lyrics still ring true today; especially in the age of social media, where women are so often caught up in mainstream media's depiction of who we are supposed to be that we forget who we are.
"Superstar"
Now, this side of Lauryn, I love. Yes, we know her as the ultimate soul songstress of many generations, but she also spits heat on this album, yo. She checks the mainstream music industry for transforming hip-hop into an inauthentic commodity that encourages mark ass tricks that aren't true to the game to get a foot in the industry.
"Final Hour"
We see a more theoretical Lauryn on this track as she discusses the juxtaposition between spirituality and materialism. She continues to relay biblical references on this track and warns us to be careful about what we value. She mentions Psalms 73, which says that in the end, living a life close to God is imperative because prosperity, if evil, is temporary and will receive their judgment in the "final hour."
"When It Hurts So Bad"
So often, we are told to trust our gut. But everything that feels good, ain't good for you, sis. Lauryn touches on the vulnerability of a woman and her emotions, and how the combination will lead us to seek out things that aren't good for us. Lauryn loved a man, like we all did. But how often are we caught up chasing what we want so much that we miss out on what we truly needed.
"I Used to Love Him" (featuring Mary J. Blige)
This duet between the songstresses, who were both super hot and going through very public break-ups at the time of the album's release, was straight flames. Lauryn and Mary were faced with the conclusion that we all eventually have to realize: true love shouldn't hurt. The vocalists sung a tune of pain and redemption that is all too relevant to the realities of black women.
We dim our light for the sake of our lovers and over time we forget that we can shine without them.
By the end of the song, Mary and Lauryn find healing and strength in knowing that their life was more than being the lover of a foolish man and that their creator was in full control.
"Forgive Them Father"
This song depicts a story about the forgiving hearts of women. Although she has been oppressed and betrayed by those she loved, this song is a prayer that those who hurt her seek blessings. This is another nod to biblical context as she references Cain and Abel, as well as Jesus and Judas.
"Every City, Every Ghetto"
We dive into Lauryn's nostalgia and get a peek at her adolescence in this track. She reminisces about the challenges she encountered and the memories she garnered after growing up in what she calls "New Jerusalem."
Nothing Even Matters (featuring D'Angelo)
This song encompasses her overall theme that love conquers all. She and D'Angelo's soulful melody creates an image of intimacy that is relatable to anyone that's ever been in love.
"Everything Is Everything"
Lauryn hasn't shied away from getting political on 'em, and this track is no exception. The track discusses social injustice and the challenges that inner-city youth encounter daily. The song is host to a comforting message that even though things are f*cked up now, change will come eventually.
The track also features a young John Legend, who was virtually unknown at the time on the keys.
"The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
This song is about the progressively feminist idea that women should be able to choose their own destiny. She, like many of us, went out in the world to find herself and found out that the answer she was seeking was inside of her the whole time.
"Can't Take My Eyes Off You"
This Frankie Vallie and The 4 Seasons remake is a tribute to pure infatuation. "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" is not only a love song, but a piece of hardcore gentrification in the name of black love. What more can you ask for?
"Tell Him"
This is probably my favorite song on the album, as it relates to my own personal relationship with God and the man I plan to spend the rest of my life. To me, God is love. Love is patient, love is kind, and love is forgiving: the same qualities that I seek and hope to exhibit in my every relationship that I encounter. Lauryn compares the love that we share with others to the love that was shown when Jesus spared his life for us. That's pretty deep.
I grew into womanhood listening to this album, but only now can I understand why each song resonates so deeply with me. She was telling my story. I, too, have loved and been loved by a man, scorned and betrayed, and found my own piece and joy within myself.
Featured image by Giphy
- Lauryn Hill | The Official Lauryn Hill Site ›
- Ms. Lauryn Hill (@MsLaurynHill) | Twitter ›
- Ms. Lauryn Hill ›
- Lauryn Hill - Doo-Wop (That Thing) (Official Video) - YouTube ›
- Lauryn Hill - Albums, Songs, and News | Pitchfork ›
- Why Lauryn Hill still has the Ex Factor - BBC News ›
- Lauryn Hill announces tour to mark 20th anniversary of 'Miseducation' ›
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
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Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
The James Room’s Co-Owner Justin Miller On Inclusive Nightlife & Atlanta’s Growing Cultural Scene
The career path we choose sometimes presents itself to us during our childhood. One entrepreneur's desire to maintain and run his own business began around age 12.
Justin Miller, one half of the duo responsible for running Atlanta’s premiere gathering place, The James Room, began his entrepreneurial pursuits by selling his drawings at school.
“I think I was always an entrepreneur,” he tells xoNecole during an interview for Hyundai’s Best In Class series, highlighting entrepreneurs making a difference through their businesses who also happen to be HBCU alumni.
“I just had different hustles, as they call them, growing up. When I went to law school, that was my first big entrepreneurship. I started my own law firm right after law school in 2006, and I’ve been an adult entrepreneur ever since.”
Alongside his business partner, Harold “Poncho” Brinkley, Miller and his team aim to fill a niche that hasn’t been seen before in Atlanta—an upscale lounge environment that is diverse and in alignment with what is currently available to patrons in cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. Located in Atlanta’s Krog Street District, The James Room offers a wide range of entertainment. From weekly events like live music on Tuesdays, slow jams by a live DJ set on Wednesdays, and b-side vibes on Saturdays.
“People are a little bit segregated in Atlanta,” Miller explains. “People party separately. People hang out separately. So, we wanted to create a space where everyone could come together and enjoy life because we all love the same things, and there shouldn’t really be separation when people are trying to relax and have fun.
"The James Room fills that niche, and Poncho and I, when we started thinking about getting into this field, both of us enjoyed that type of thing. We both enjoyed environments where people are together and enjoying each other’s company, and it’s not separated by Black and white or age, that kind of thing, more just people who enjoy good, fun stuff.”
“People are a little bit segregated in Atlanta. People party separately. People hang out separately. So, we wanted to create a space where everyone could come together and enjoy life because we all love the same things, and there shouldn’t really be separation when people are trying to relax and have fun.
As a product of Morehouse College, Miller also shared how being a graduate of a historically Black college or university (HBCU) has played a significant role in his work as an entrepreneur.
“My network started from, of course, Morehouse, and then branched off to Clark Atlanta, Morris Brown, Spelman, those schools close to Morehouse,” says Miller. “When I was there and made the connections that you need to be an entrepreneur, I think that the network you get when you go to an HBCU is second to none for anybody, but especially a Black person trying to start their own business.”
He adds, “The network you get at Morehouse for a Black man is even double because it’s like becoming a member of the network and a member of a fraternity simultaneously. So you can reach out to people vertically and horizontally, and you all share the same background in a certain way, so people will listen to you that normally would not.”
By day, Miller’s passion for law shines brightly through his work at his law firm, Stewart Miller Simmons, which he and a few friends started with a people-first mindset. One of their first big cases involved representing the daughter of George Floyd after he was murdered by Minneapolis police officers in 2020.
In addition to that high-profile case, Miller shares that the team has also represented the family of Rayshard Brooks, the young Black man who was killed by police in front of an Atlanta Wendy’s restaurant. They’ve also represented the mother of Ahmaud Arbery, the 25-year-old who was killed by two white men while jogging in a neighborhood near Brunswick in Glynn County, Georgia.
“We have some of the biggest cases in the world,” says Miller, reflecting on the nature of his business within the law field. “But my passion, the thing that I love the most, is doing things like The James Room, being able to create things where I can go myself and decompress, So I know if I like it in the environment, it’s good, and it’s relaxing for me, I know it will be for everyone else. This is one of my driving forces.”
Miller’s biggest lesson as a business owner, especially regarding The James Room, is that "you can really have whatever you want.”
“You can do whatever you want. It just requires a commensurate amount of work,” says Miller. It’s completely up to you. If you outwork yourself, you will receive everything you want. If you don’t, then you’re going to see where you’re going to stay and where your business will stay. I played basketball in college, and after that, I learned that you have to work. I didn’t know that same philosophy worked in business the same exact way, but it does.”
When it comes to the legacy that he and Poncho aim to leave behind with The James Room, the sentiment is simple: They want the business to be remembered as providing a different type of space in Atlanta.
"If you outwork yourself, you will receive everything you want. If you don’t, then you’re going to see where you’re going to stay and where your business will stay. I played basketball in college, and after that, I learned that you have to work. I didn’t know that same philosophy worked in business the same exact way, but it does.”
“I don’t want it to be the last of that type of space or one of the few of that type of space. I’d like it to be the beginning of those types of spaces in the city,” Miller notes. “Atlanta is growing. It’s now very multicultural because I am from here. My family’s from Atlanta. I grew up between Athens and Atlanta, Georgia. So I’ve seen Atlanta grow from where it used to be to what it is now.”
“I want the legacy of The James Room to be as Atlanta grows into the multicultural, big city that it is turning into, that the nightlife also corresponds and gives people options other than hookah and chicken wings. There’s nothing wrong with hookah and chicken wings, but you should have other options… sometimes you might just want an espresso martini.”
As their business continues to serve young professionals and creatives alike, Miller and Poncho take pride in continuously creating a place where everyone can come together, mix, and mingle, but in a more relaxed setting where everyone’s story can be heard.
“What I would ultimately like to see for The James Room is it being a nationwide brand. A brand where you could put a James Room in Houston, or you could put a James Room in Nashville,” Miller concludes. “You could put a James Room anywhere because all these places need this type of nightlife. Also, the entrepreneurs there, the people doing the nightlife there, need to see that this thing can work.”
He adds, “We have a proof of concept, and I believe the world needs to see and have it. I am a person who believes that more is better. So if you have more people putting this kind of entertainment out for consumption, you’ll have more people who have choices and more people who can enjoy themselves differently than what’s normally offered to them in their city.”
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Feature image @jmilleresq/ Instagram