A growing group of Black educators is using TikTok to reimagine higher education, and now their work is gaining attention from Congress.
This week, educators behind the viral #HillmanTok University initiative visited Capitol Hill in partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and TikTok. Their goal: to highlight how short-form digital content is removing long-standing barriers to education in fields ranging from finance and business to the humanities and personal development.
Unlike traditional institutions, #HillmanTok requires no tuition, no application process, and no student loans. Learning is delivered directly through TikTok videos, making education accessible to anyone with a smartphone.
The creators involved include Dr. Leah Barlow, Shyia Simmon, CPA Thurman Brooks, and Gyllian Carter. Together, they have built what many describe as a digital HBCU that offers quality, culturally relevant education to millions who have been historically excluded from traditional academic pathways.
The idea for HillmanTok originated when a preview of Dr. Barlow’s Afro-American Studies course went viral, attracting more than 3.6 million views and 550,000 followers in just one week. What could have been a moment of viral fame quickly evolved into a full-fledged educational movement.
“UNCF is proud to partner with TikTok to amplify the transformative power of the #HillmanTok movement,” said Ed Smith-Lewis, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Programs at UNCF. “This collaboration celebrates the brilliance of educators and creators who are redefining the future of learning. We are expanding access, elevating the legacy of HBCUs, and engaging a new generation of learners.”
While financial literacy is a core focus, led by creators like CPA Thurman Brooks, HillmanTok covers a wide range of subjects. These include emergency medicine, mental health, the history of U.S. education, leadership training, and even practical skills such as sewing and gardening. The project’s wide scope reflects a commitment to both academic and life education.
TikTok flew six #HillmanTok creators to Washington, D.C. to share their experiences with lawmakers. Among those they met were Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Congresswoman Shontel Brown, and Congressman Shamari Figures. In one discussion, Crockett emphasized the need for both cultural awareness and economic understanding, telling creators, “Know your history and understand economics.”
The digital university has already shown impressive reach. In the last month alone, the #HillmanTok hashtag generated 955,000 searches by 952,000 users and attracted 3.5 million video views. These numbers are comparable to enrollment figures at major U.S. universities.
Geographic engagement also reflects national impact. Top states for HillmanTok activity include Georgia, Texas, California, New York, and Florida, with cities like Atlanta, Houston, and Los Angeles serving as engagement hubs.
For many participants, the initiative represents more than just a creative project. It is a shift in how knowledge is shared.
“This is education without gatekeeping,” said one of the creators. “There are no deadlines or tuition bills, just a desire to learn and share.”
As lawmakers consider the role of digital platforms in society, the educators behind HillmanTok are showing how technology can be used to democratize access to knowledge. Their visit to Capitol Hill signals growing recognition of grassroots, creator-led education as a serious and effective alternative to traditional learning models.
