Black Professors Educating TikTok Users Through 'HillmanTok University'
By Jovonne Ledet
January 28, 2025
Class is now in session at "HillmanTok University."
Black professors have gone viral for sharing their syllabi and reading materials through TikTok, allowing users to digitally engage in their curriculum.
The viral trend was sparked by Dr. Barlow, an African American studies professor who was initially using the platform to interact with students in her physical classroom. As her videos gained traction, other TikTokers who weren't Barlow's students began watching her videos to learn more about what she was teaching throughout the semester.
More Black professors began sharing their course expectations and reading materials to educate TikTokers on various subjects. From history to financial literacy 101 to screenwriting, professors are now offering free weekly live classes and corresponding homework assignments at what has been dubbed as "HillmanTok University."
@the_moneynista Now enrolling. YouTube @themoneynista IG @the_moneynista Instructor: Natasha Verela #tiktokuniversity #Hillmantok #drbarlow
♬ original sound - The Moneynista
Some TikTokers have taken on roles as academic advisors to help guide "HillmanTok" students on who to follow to stay on top of their digital coursework. Others are taking on the responsibility of facilitating "morning announcements" for the university and acting as "campus security" for those trying to infiltrate the positive impact of the virtual classes.
Dr. Barlow said she was shocked to learn that the videos she initially shared for her 30-person classroom sparked a viral trend. The African American studies professor has now created a TikTok Syllabus specifically for her digital students to follow.
@afamstudies My list for Black Studies changes every year and is limited to time. Although this is not comprehensive, it’s my starting point. Hope you enjoy!
♬ original sound - Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am
Social media users applauded the Black professors for sharing their wealth of knowledge for free on TikTok. See their reactions to TikTok's own HBCU below.
Lollll so a bunch of black women educators created a fake HBCU on TikTok called HillmanTok University and are teaching REAL classes on there😭😭😭
— lonewolf👩🏾💻 (@unscoopable_b) January 27, 2025
They actually ate and I love us sm.
I am personally enrolled in Wealth 101 😭
Pls join!
this hillmantok university thing on tiktok is actually so genius. giving people access to information about different topics for free is so cool to me
— 💌 (@goldcccc) January 26, 2025
HillmanTok University is giving me major goosebumps!! The revolution shall be televised. #HillmanTok #HillmanTokUniversity pic.twitter.com/3BoaguOGd9
— 🇭🇹Haitian Nova🇭🇹 (@QueenAhmal) January 26, 2025
Hillmantok has me enrolled in African American studies, gardening 101, American Sign Language, baking 101, and project management 101. I’m an adult with full time job but I’m committed
— Ashley 👑 ✨ (@Ashh_Lopez) January 25, 2025
HillmanTok University (iykyk) really makes me feel like we have entered a higher timeline. Look what happens when we come together 🥰
— Amira ❀ (@amiraheals) January 26, 2025
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.