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TikTok’s latest trend is letting users live out their HBCU dream. HillmanTok University, the faux institution providing real education, has taken the app by storm. Thanks to TikToker Dr. Barlow, the fictional school, Hillman College, from the beloved “A Different World” sitcom has been reimagined into a virtual community celebrating Black culture and creativity on the app.
Dr. Barlow’s course focuses on African American studies but this clever trend has grown into a full blown educational system. HillmanTok “professors” have made over 400 topics available for study. Users can “enroll” in everything from Debate and Tax Code to Emotional Intelligence and Intro to DJing.
Shelby Ivey Christie, a fashion and costume historian, is offering Black Fashion History 101. In it, Christie helps followers examine fashion through the lens of race, class, and culture with an emphasis on black contributions to fashion. To say the Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree, Vogue Business 100 Honoree, and author is passionate about – and qualified to teach – the subject is an understatement.
That’s the draw of this trend. It is not comprised of users solely giving their opinion on a topic. Instead, the professors are professionals with certifications, degrees, and real experience.
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TikTokers on both sides of the coin are excited about the offerings of HillmanTok.
One user told Essence Magazine he was surprised that people are actually eager to learn. “When I announced that I was teaching a class about Emergency Medicine as a part of the HillmanTok University I didn’t know what to expect. My page grew by 100,000 followers in 48 hours and during my first live lecture, I had 1,500 students listening for the entire hour long lecture. Truly inspired by the movement and the people of my community who are eager to learn.”
Another user chimed in with, “I’m in Metaphysics, Makeup 101, Dance, Racial Bias in Healthcare, Screenwriting 101, and African American History. I’ve got 18 credits.”
If you didn’t have the app before it’s banned; you cannot download it. However, many users, Christie included, are also posting their videos on Instagram.
The burgeoning of HillmanTok reminds us of the importance of representation in education. No matter the subject, Black people bring a unique perspective. Including that perspective often leads to well-rounded students.
It also nods to the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Cheyney University, America’s first HBCU was founded in 1837. It was formed while segregation and racial discrimination in educational institutions prevented or limited Black people’s ability to attend the predominantly white counterpart.
Since then, these schools have played a vital role in providing access to higher education for Black students. Their creation also helped foster the intellectual, social, and economic advancement of Black people in America.
HillmanTok reflects HBCU curricula as many offer a wide range of programs. Liberal arts, sciences, journalism, medicine, history, social justice, and law to name a few. These schools often serve as incubators for Black culture, art, music, and activism. Also, despite their often lower levels of funding compared to predominantly white institutions, HBCUs have strong graduation rates. Many prominent figures attended HBCUs including Martin Luther King Jr, Thurgood Marshall, Oprah Winfrey, and Toni Morrison. These schools continue to be essential stepping stones to professional and academic success.
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