Shermann “Dilla” Thomas is an American TikToker and self-taught historian who first became known for leading historic walking tours of Chicago.[1][2][3]

He first became interested in history from his father, a former Chicago police officer who refused to use expressways as a protest against the impact their construction had on Black communities.[4] While initially only leading walking tours, in October 2022 Thomas successfully raised money to purchase a tour bus and start a company, Chicago Mahogany Tours.[5][6] The Washington Post described him as being part of a growing trend of BIPOC travel experts parlaying social media success into real-world careers.[7]

In February of 2022, WCIU-TV aired a television special titled "Black History Verified" hosted by Thomas.[8] He is currently working with Netflix and Chris Witaske to develop a Chicago-based historical fiction series.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Moore, Evan F. (2021-06-04). "Urban historian Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas to host Bronzeville tours Juneteenth weekend". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 2022-12-09. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
  2. ↑ Young, Claire (2022-01-14). "Chicago's Biggest TikTok Sensation Is a Dad Who Works for the Electric Company". InsideHook. Archived from the original on 2022-10-02. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
  3. ↑ Golden, Jamie Nesbitt (2022-02-02). "Dilla The Urban Historian's South Side Neighborhood Tours Are Back For Black History Month And Beyond". Block Club Chicago. Archived from the original on 2023-02-01. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
  4. ↑ Jay, Corli (2022-01-05). "Historian Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas Shows Where It's At". Chicago Magazine. Archived from the original on 2022-12-04. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
  5. ↑ Reed, Atavia (2022-10-28). "TikTok Historian Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas Lands New Tour Bus For His Chicago Lessons After Months Of Fundraising". Block Club Chicago. Archived from the original on 2023-01-29. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  6. ↑ Idowu, Angel (2022-04-04). "Chicago's Urban Historian Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas Raises Funds for Affordable Bus Tours". WTTW. Archived from the original on 2023-01-29. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  7. ↑ Giangreco, Leigh (2022-01-31). "Diversifying the face of travel, one TikTok at a time". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2023-02-20. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  8. ↑ Metz, Nina (2022-02-11). "Chicago historian and TikTok favorite Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas discusses his new TV special, 'Black History Verified'". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2023-01-29. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
  9. ↑ Reed, Atavia (2022-01-11). "TikTok Historian Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas Working On Chicago-Based TV Series With Netflix". Block Club Chicago. Archived from the original on 2022-09-30. Retrieved 2022-10-01.


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