THE EDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL.

This article focuses on the cultural and historical context behind Lauryn Hill's debut solo album, *The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill*, on its 25th anniversary. It highlights insights from Ras Baraka, Newark's mayor and former teacher, who contributed to the album by guiding young students in recording interludes about love. The album's title was inspired by Carter G. Woodson's 1933 book *The Mis-Education of the Negro*, reflecting themes of Black history and education. The piece also situates Hill's work within the politically and socially conscious environment of Newark and Harlem in the late 1990s, emphasizing the influence of community, education, and historical events on her artistry.