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Class is in session: HillmanTok Black educators create free online university

Class is in session: HillmanTok Black educators create free online university
February 01
10:00 2025

In late January 2025, a new educational trend emerged on TikTok called “HillmanTok University,” where Black educators share their expertise across various subjects for free.

The movement began when Dr. Leah Barlow, an African American studies professor, posted a TikTok introducing her course to her college students. She intended for her account to be a private introduction to her spring semester students, but inadvertently posted it publicly. The video gained unexpected popularity, attracting a wide audience eager to learn.

Following Dr. Barlow’s viral success, other Black educators joined the initiative, offering courses on topics such as financial literacy, mental wellness, cosmetology, and foreign languages.

The name “HillmanTok” is inspired by the fictional Hillman College from the television show A Different World.” While not an accredited institution, HillmanTok University provides valuable educational content and has developed features like an official TikTok page, a website, apparel, and plans for a Discord community. Some professors, who are real-life educators or experts in their fields, have created full online courses complete with syllabi, suggested reading, and discussion boards for their TikTok students. A few classes will offer certifications upon successful completion.

A “class session” is categorized as a TikTok video where professors teach and ask “students” to add their answers and thoughts in the comments.

Many are referring to HillmanTok University as an online HBCU. Its mission is to educate Black students and promote Black culture. The school is organizing rapidly; there’s already a mascot, a school crest, and course catalog for the spring ’25 semester.  

On the website, HillmanTokHBCU.com, there is a list of courses and links to professors’ contact information.  Those interested in gaining knowledge on a particular subject matter or serious about learning are encouraged to go to TikTok and search HillmanTok University or visit the website for more information.  


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Bridget Elam

Bridget Elam

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