Professor Leah Barlow from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University embarked on teaching her Intro to African American Studies class this semester by using TikTok to reach a wider audience. Her video quickly gained traction, inspiring a network of Black educators to form Hillmantok University, an unofficial online platform offering courses ranging from gardening to organic chemistry.
In response to the political climate and fears of dismantling diversity programs, Hillmantok aimed to provide education to counter misinformation. A diverse group of volunteers, including former math teachers and organic chemistry professors, worked together to create a virtual learning environment accessible to all.
The platform quickly attracted thousands of users looking to engage with Black voices on various topics through lectures and live sessions. According to the organizers, the initiative is a way to ensure a free and fair education for everyone, especially in light of the uncertainty surrounding education policy.
One participant, Brandi Smith, created study sessions based on the syllabus shared by Professor Barlow, discussing topics like social justice and black culture. Another instructor, Andre Isaacs, sought to demystify chemistry and make it more accessible to underrepresented communities.
Hillmantok also included a gardening course taught by Dominique Kinsler, attracting a large audience eager to learn about gardening in a simple and practical way. The initiative was seen as a response to the fear of restricted education caused by politics and disinformation, providing a positive outlet for learning and personal growth.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
