In a moment that perfectly blends education with modern technology, Leah Barlow, Ph.D., an assistant professor of liberal studies at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has unwittingly transformed her spring Introduction to African American History course into a viral TikTok sensation.
What started as a simple video intended for her students resonated with 4.4 million viewers worldwide and ignited a new grassroots initiative among educators, especially those from historically Black colleges and universities.
@afamstudies Welcome to Intro to African-American Studies Spring 2025!
♬ original sound – Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am
Barlow’s engaging TikTok was designed to meet her students where they were to introduce her course content. However, the response was overwhelming, drawing attention from people eager to learn about African American history. “I simply got on the internet and decided to share some information with my students, and it has blossomed into a number of educators, from Ph.D. educators to K-12, and they’re sharing all kinds of wonderful information,” the Hampton University graduate recalled.
The platform, humorously dubbed “HillmanTok,” is a nod to the fictional Black university from “The Cosby Show.” In addition to her content about African American history, other HillmanTok educators provide content about art, artificial intelligence, chemistry, personal finance, and astrology.
Initially hesitant about her newfound fame on social media, Barlow considered deleting her TikTok account due to the unexpected attention. However, she quickly recognized the importance of fostering educational dialogue and embraced the opportunity to share her extensive knowledge with a broader audience.
Her TikTok series features mini-lectures and snippets of wisdom not covered in her regular class curriculum. Her videos have sparked requests for syllabi and reading lists from enthusiastic followers. “The more I saw the support, and I saw that people really wanted to learn, I knew I had to share all the information that flows around in my head at any given moment that I’m more than willing to share,” Barlow said. “I’m a researcher at heart, so my job is to find the stories that most people don’t find.”
@afamstudies My list for Black Studies changes every year and is limited to time. Although this is not comprehensive, it’s my starting point. Hope you enjoy!
♬ original sound – Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am
As Barlow continues her lecture series on TikTok, the professor remains focused on her primary mission: to immerse her students in the richness of Black culture and history. Her journey serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of education and the digital world.
This article sources information from North Carolina A&T State University.
