HillmanTok University: How Black Educators Turned TikTok Into A Virtual Classroom
TikTok can be pretty useful outside cat videos, dance tutorials, and comedy sketches. You can learn a language, a new recipe, and even how to play an instrument. It can also be a great way to source academic knowledge, which is being demonstrated with HillmanTok University.
Who started HillmanTok University?
What started as video intended for the 30 students enrolled in Dr Leah Barlow’s African American studies class this semester, has turned into a viral movement, where Black professors, lecturers, and subject matter experts create and share educational videos.
In a TikTok post that has since gone viral, Dr. Leah Barlow, a professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, gave an introduction to African American Studies 2025. “I wanted to quickly introduce myself ahead of homework being due tomorrow and whatever else I post during the reminder of the semester,” she said a the post.
Barlow gave a breakdown of the course, how students will be assessed, and what they will learn throughout the course. That post, however, quickly spread across TikTok and now has over 37,000 comments about students wanting to be enrolled in her class. “Homework due tomorrow???? Wait, hold on!” said one user. Dr. Barlow has gone on to post mini-lectures and a TikTok syllabus. Other educators have since joined the movement, creating what is now known as HillmanTok, the name a nod to the fictional HBCU in the hit 1980s sitcom ‘A Different World’.
What courses are offered at HillmanTok University?
So you’ve decided to enroll at HillmanTok University, but what courses do they offer? Luckily, the school offers various subjects across various interests and disciplines, explained through a video by @livewithmichaele. Want to study African American studies? You can join Dr. Barlow’s class. How about Law? Dr. Smith will be your professor for that. You can take minor classes in the History of US education, intro to personal branding, and Gardening 101; there really is something for everyone.
@livewithmichaele Replying to @Bennisha here is your course guide. I’m sure I missed one and courses are being added daily #hillmantokuniversity #drbarlow #drchristy #drshirly #tiktokuniversity #spring2025 ♬ original sound – Michaele | Content creator
User marandasdiary, gave an extensive list full of HillmanTok courses, professors, and even administrators.
@marandasdiary I’m not on an official board/committee/admin member for HTU just a gal that made a list of resources 🥹 plz check out my website (in bio) for their official HTU site for help and other great info!
♬ original sound – The Farce One
HillmanTok University now has a website, merchanise, and a TikTok page with over 333,000 followers.
