As our leaders seek to minimize the contributions of Black people, HillmanTok creators say their open enrollment is an invitation to learn about Black history and other valuable subjects in the community. “I think the political lens we’re in, we’re being forced to come together and make sure we preserve our heritage,” says social media creator Dominique Kinsler. “Preserve who we are, our culture. I think it’s pushing us to really look back to our elders to say, ‘Teach us the things about ourselves so they’re not lost and forgotten.’”
Kinsler is known as @Pharmunique_ on TikTok and other social media platforms, and is teaching a Gardening 101 course on HillmanTok. As a graduate of Florida A&M University, and a pharmacist by profession, teaching on HillmanTok gives Kinsler the opportunity to advocate for accessible education.
“As much as I can give for free, I honestly want to because you don’t see that often,” Kinsler continues. “You have to pay for everything else that we have. I was already providing education on TikTok, why not organize it better and make it easier to follow and just give it to the people? I was already giving it to them anyway.”
TikTok content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Accessibility is one of the things that really makes HillmanTok shine. Koca Moscato was inspired to teach her Buying Land 101 course — she suggests you take it in conjunction with Kinsler’s course — after noticing most of the resources related to the topic had to be purchased.
“Some people go the school route or they get some type of certification or education or whatever it is that gets them a little ahead, and they feel like it’s a disservice to what they’ve worked for or what they’ve gone through to find this information to [then] give this information to someone for free,” Moscato explains. “Of course, there are certain things you have to know about [land buying] just to protect yourself and your big purchase, but it’s really easy. That led me to say, ‘Okay, yes,’ this is something very necessary for people to have access for free without trying to nickel-and- dime and get what I can get out of it.”
Moscato adds, “Free video, everything’s in a playlist — there you go. Now what you do with it is up to you, but it’s out there now.”
TikTok content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Professor Antwann Michael Simpkins says he felt it was important to give the gift of learning after having the opportunity to pursue several advanced degrees. After graduating from Morehouse College, he received a full ride to the University of California Los Angeles, where he continued his educational journey. Says Simpkins, it’s only right that he offers his critical race course to HillmanTok for free: “Learning — and this is crazy to say — learning is a luxury. Not everybody can sit around and read a text and let their mind go.”
He continues, “The public has entrusted me to some degree to come to this place to study and learn and look deeply into these issues. Here is an opportunity to give that knowledge back and say, ‘Here is what is out there, and what we need to take into consideration.’”
TikTok content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Those enrolled in HillmanTok have noticed the selflessness of their professors and others dedicating their time and knowledge to students. Jenna Nolen, 26, called HillmanTok “the best thing that this app has done.” She never went to an HBCU, she tells Teen Vogue, but has picked up on the importance of community within Black spaces through HillmanTok.
“The world doesn’t accept us like that,” Nolen says. “But because of that, we are so close to each other without even knowing. If we don’t have anyone in this country backing us, we at least have each other, and we at least have people who are wanting to share with the community. I think that’s why an HBCU — especially on social media — but HBCUs in general are so important. Because we are the glue.”
Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take
