Black educators started the viral HillmanTok University, a TikTok subculture for free learning. The idea of a TikTok university began when an actual professor, Dr. Leah Barlow, shared the summary of her African American Studies 101 course on the app. The video has over 4M views now and has prompted thousands to follow her for mini-lectures, as if they’re taking the course for free on TikTok. Other professors and experts in their fields quickly joined in to share their own “classes,” which have come together as HillmanTok University, named after the HBCU from A Different World and The Cosby Show. Now, thousands are “enrolled” in following Black educators in courses on everything from finances, mental health, TV production, and much more. (Her Campus)
📊 YPulse data: 74% of 13-39-year-olds would use social media / YouTube / online influencers as a resource to learn something new
