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 Hillman University.

Who started Hillman University?

What started as a light-hearted joke turned into Black professors and lectures, creating videos educating Black users on various academic subjects. In a TikTok post that has since gone viral, Dr.Barlow 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.

@afamstudies

Welcome to Intro to African-American Studies Spring 2025!

♬ original sound – Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am

Barlow gave a breakdown of the course, how students will be assessed, and what they will learn throughout the course. That post now has over 37k comments about students wanting to be enrolled in her class. “Hi lmanTok University: How Black Educators Turned TikTok Into A Virtual Classroom,” one user said. “Homework due tomorrow???? Wait, hold on!,” said another user. Dr.Barlow has gone one to post mini-lectures and a TikTok syllabus.

What courses are offered at Hillman University?

So you’ve decided to enroll at Hillman 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 Hillman 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

Hillman University now has a TikTok page that has over 333k followers.

Image: Nappy Stock