Lauryn Hill Pens Inspirational Message For Temple University 2020 Graduates

BY Erika Marie 1.7K Views
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Lauryn Hill, Temple University
Lauryn Hill motivated Temple University's Class of 2020 by writing a letter to inspire them to reach their greatest potentials.

We may not hear much from Lauryn Hill, but the music icon has emerged to deliver a motivational message to the graduates of Temple University. The COVID-19 pandemic has curbed public graduations for millions of students who had hopes of walking across stages to celebrate their accomplishments. With the "Stay Home" order in place, large public gatherings have been nixed in many places worldwide. Celebrities have given words of encouragement from the comforts of their homes to students who have to miss their proms or had their graduations canceled, including Lauryn Hill who wrote a moving piece to Temple University graduates.

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"I know this message finds you in the unique and unprecedented circumstance of a graduation ceremony held remotely, but for the safety of you and your families consider this the beginning of a significant story you’ll have to share with those that follow you," the award-winning singer wrote. "For this time is indeed historic, and if we’re paying attention, pregnant with purpose. Purpose is powerful. The work one puts his or her hands to with purpose attached, becomes charged, activated and often deeply meaningful. Purpose-filled acts can change lives, move communities and alter the course of history."

She also told them that in this time, what we need are young people to fulfill acts of "kindness," "courage," and "responsibility." Lauryn Hill added, "The world desperately needs youthful optimism and people prepared to help lead and guide its course with wisdom and informed perspective. Make no mistake, our times aren’t easy, but they aren’t impossible to alter and positively affect either."

"Extend gratitude to your families, and to the faculty and administrators who assisted in the development of your full-of-potential young minds. You’ve grown from promising students into mature, more-than-capable young adults ready to accomplish incredible goals in your respective fields and beyond. We celebrate you." You can read Lauryn's letter in full here.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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