An HBCU education, but make it digital!
In a groundbreaking moment for online learning, a group of Black educators behind the viral #HillmanTok movement took their mission to Capitol Hill, partnering with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and TikTok, to highlight the power of accessible education for everyone, Essence reports. The #HillmanTok educators gathered for a special reception to discuss how they are dismantling traditional barriers to education, providing free and accessible learning that reaches millions. No student loans, no application fees, no entrance exams—just knowledge at your fingertips.
#HillmanTok, inspired by the iconic fictional HBCU from A Different World, is a digital movement bringing academia to the masses. It all started when Dr. Leah Barlow’s university course preview unexpectedly went viral, racking up 3.6 million views and gaining 550,000 followers in a single week. What could have been just another viral moment became the catalyst for an entire online educational ecosystem spanning finance, humanities, STEM, personal development, and beyond.
Educators like Dr. Barlow, Shyia Simmon, CPA Thurman Brooks, and Gyllian Carter have built a digital HBCU on TikTok, offering courses that rival those of traditional institutions—but with a reach far beyond university walls. Their impact is undeniable: in just one month, #HillmanTok content generated 955,000 searches from 952,000 unique users and attracted 3.5 million video views. That’s the equivalent of several major universities’ student populations combined, all accessing quality education without accumulating crippling debt.
“UNCF is proud to partner with TikTok to amplify the transformative power of the #HillmanTok movement,” said Ed Smith-Lewis, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Programs, UNCF. “This collaboration celebrates the brilliance of educators, content creators, and digital innovators who are redefining the future of learning and storytelling. By harnessing the power of technology, we are expanding access, elevating the legacy of HBCUs, and engaging a new generation committed to educational excellence.”
While finance and business education remain central pillars of #HillmanTok—with CPA Thurman Brooks and others teaching investing, entrepreneurship, and wealth-building—the movement extends far beyond money management. Courses range from emergency medical care and forensics to mental health therapy, cultural studies, and the Black image in media. Personal development offerings include practical life skills like sewing and gardening, as well as career advancement training in leadership and branding.
The movement’s success signals a shift in the educational landscape—one that traditional institutions have yet to fully grasp. While universities require students to navigate admissions cycles, pay high tuition fees, and commit years of study, #HillmanTok offers education on-demand, year-round, and free of charge.
During their visit to Washington, the educators engaged with lawmakers, including Congresswomen Shontel Brown and Jasmine Crockett, and Congressman Shamari Figures. In a particularly resonant moment, Congresswoman Crockett emphasized to Dr. Barlow’s audience the importance of knowing Black history and understanding economics—two pillars of empowerment that #HillmanTok strives to make accessible to all.
Geographically, the movement spans well beyond traditional university catchment areas. Engagement is highest in states like Georgia, Texas, California, New York, and Florida, with Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles serving as major hubs. However, #HillmanTok’s reach extends across all 50 states. The UNCF reception celebrating these educators wasn’t just about recognition—it was about acknowledging a shift in how knowledge is shared. While DEI rollbacks are sweeping the nation, the future of education is short-form, digital, and inclusive. Unlike traditional higher education models, #HillmanTok is revolutionizing the new Black digital landscape and tearing down barriers to education.
This movement is proving that education doesn’t just belong in classrooms—it belongs to the people. And thanks to platforms like TikTok and partnerships like the one with UNCF, a new generation of learners is being empowered with the knowledge they need to thrive. The next wave of Black excellence is here, and it’s just a scroll away.
Cover photo: UNCF Partners With #HillmanTok Educators to Bring Digital Black Education Movement to Congress/Photo credit: Essence