In 1987, the television sitcom A Different World debuted, offering viewers a glimpse into life at the fictional Hillman College, a historically Black college (HBCU). The show entertained and inspired generations of students to pursue higher education. Decades later, this inspiration has been revitalized on social media through “HillmanTok,” a grassroots educational movement on TikTok that fosters educational content amid contemporary challenges.
The genesis of HillmanTok can be traced back to Dr. Leah Barlow, a liberal studies professor at North Carolina A&T State University. In January 2025, Dr. Barlow posted a brief introductory video for her African American studies course on TikTok. “I was just looking for a way to engage,” she said. “But this launched something much bigger than me.” The video unexpectedly went viral, amassing over 4 million views and attracting 250,000 subscribers overnight. This spike in interest highlighted a widespread appetite for accessible educational content.
Capitalizing on this momentum, sixth-grade math teacher Cierra Hinton launched the hashtag #HillmanTok, encouraging educators to share instructional videos under this banner. The response was overwhelming, with educators across disciplines contributing content ranging from African American studies to STEM subjects. Today, this social media trend has evolved to HillmanTok University, an expansive collective of Black educators and content creators teaching over 400 subjects. Its website now features a full Spring 2025 course catalog, including diverse offerings like Agriculture, Mathematics, Arts, etc.
The emergence of HillmanTok coincides with a charged environment where the current administration’s rollback of such initiatives and intention to dismantle the Department of Education has raised concerns about the future of academic programs. In this context, HillmanTok serves as a wholesome reminder that education is perhaps more alive than ever before and that we live in a time when people seek enlightenment consciously and through the daily scroll. Additionally, the movement garnered recognition beyond the media. In March 2025, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), in collaboration with TikTok, honored the HillmanTok community for reshaping education.
However, HillmanTok is not without its challenges. The movement faces potential commercialization and appropriation threats, with concerns about maintaining the authenticity and educational integrity of the content. Moreover, the current political climate poses risks to the sustainability of such grassroots initiatives.
Despite these hurdles, HillmanTok exemplifies the innovation of Black educators and content creators. They used social media platforms to create an educational space that echoes the communal and empowering spirit of HBCUs. As the movement continues to evolve, it is a testament to the ongoing quest for educational empowerment within underserved communities.
