Education is getting a much-needed glow-up on TikTok, thanks to Black scholars and professionals who are redefining learning in the digital age. What started as one professor’s classroom introduction has now sparked HillmanTok University, which is a viral, community-led movement providing accessible and engaging education for all. Read more about the viral and necessary trend inside.

Since President Donald Trump’s first week back in office, more than two dozen executive orders have been issued. And there has been an uproar in American outrage against him and these policies. Trump has inked executive orders banning efforts such as “environmental justice programs,” “equity initiatives” and DEI considerations in federal hiring. He has also rolled back significant support for minority-serving institutions.

In a swift response to his ridiculous executive orders, Black educators are using their platforms to effect change now. It all began with Dr. Barlow, a real-life African American Studies professor whose TikTok video, “Welcome to Intro African-American Studies Spring 2025,” was meant to introduce her course to students. But once the rest of TikTok discovered it, the comment section turned into an enrollment list. Users jokingly claimed their seats in her class, with one writing, “How the heck did I get back in school? Let me find my seat, chilllld.”

Dr. Barlow’s post quickly became the foundation for HillmanTok, a play on the fictional Hillman College from the hit series, “A Different World.” Now, Black educators and professionals across various fields are using TikTok to offer their own “courses,” turning the platform into a hub for knowledge on African American history, financial literacy, Black fashion history, and even Spades 101.

Unlike traditional academia, HillmanTok thrives on accessibility and creativity. Instead of textbooks and dry lectures, professors and experts use humor, storytelling, and cultural references to make learning relatable and fun. The result? A diverse online “university” where knowledge is free, engaging, and directly connected to Black culture.

At a time when education is under attack—whether through book bans, erasure of Black history, or limits on curriculum—HillmanTok is a powerful and resourceful response. It’s a digital safe space where Black educators reclaim their narratives and equip their communities with essential knowledge that mainstream institutions often overlook.

The movement also highlights the growing shift in how we approach learning. Social media, often criticized for misinformation and short attention spans, is proving to be an impactful educational tool when placed in the right hands. HillmanTok has turned viral trends into valuable lessons, showing that TikTok is more than just dance challenges. Instead, it’s a vital classroom without walls.

So, are you enrolling in HillmanTok University? With courses filling up fast (virtually, of course), now’s the time to grab your “seat” and learn from some of the best.

What class would you take? Let us know in the comments. There’s a course for everyone.

Check out some of our favorite HillmanTok professors below: