Teen Uses TikTok to Educate Users About ‘Black History’
“I receive messages all the time about how people wished more was taught in the classroom and how they learn more on TikTok than they do in school.” -Taylor Cassidy
(Alexander Shatov via Unsplash)
An 18-year-old TikTok user is teaching her 2 million followers “Fast Black History” so they can learn about Black historical figures and cultural moments they “did not learn in school.”
Taylor Cassidy first made the “Fast Black History” series in half an hour, sitting on her bedroom floor to teach others the same way she learned when she was younger.
Last year, Cassidy posted a TikTok on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and discussed his education, Grammy win and how he inspired Stevie Wonder to write “Happy Birthday.” Most viewers posted comments that they never knew that information about King.
“I receive messages all the time about how people wished more was taught in the classroom and how they learn more on TikTok than they do in school,” Cassidy said, according to In The Know. “I also have received messages from students thanking me for inspiring them to fight for more Black history to be taught in their own school.”
Cassidy said they have a large focus on Black history and uplifting Black creatives on their platform but still loves having fun with the audience.
“I think the easiest way to introduce yourself to learning more Black history is to start with mini-series, shows and movies that accurately show the lives of Black figures and historic events,” said Cassidy. “Podcasts like Uncivil, The Nod and 1619 are also extremely great places to start.”