Chicago's Coolest Historian: Dilla's "You Don't Know Chi" Brings the Chi-town to Life

Chicago's Coolest Historian: Dilla's "You Don't Know Chi" Brings the Chi-town to Life

Meet Shermann Thomas aka Dilla: the historian who's transforming how we understand Chicago's story. More than just a chronicler of the past, he's a digital storyteller who's captured the imagination with over 200,000 followers across social media. Now, he's bringing his unique brand of historical storytelling to YouTube with "You Don't Know Chi" – a show that promises to be anything but your typical history lesson.

From Husband, Father, Social Media Sensation to YouTube Star

If you haven't heard of Dilla, where have you been? As a father of seven, loving husband, and social media influencer with over 20 million views and 210,000 followers across all platforms, this South Side native has become the historian we need – part storyteller, part cultural superhero, and 100% pure Chicago.

Dilla isn't your grandmother's historian. He's rewriting the rulebook on how we experience local history, turning 60-second TikTok videos into a masterclass of Chicago storytelling. From viral sensation to national TV (yes, he's graced both The Today Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show), Dilla has become the voice of a city that's always had plenty to say.

At his core, Dilla is a storyteller. His mission? To prove that Chicago isn't just a city – it's a living, breathing narrative waiting to be explored. Whether he's dropping 60-second history bombs on TikTok or diving deep in his new YouTube show, he's got one goal: make you understand how dope Chicago is, one story at a time. From the South Side streets that raised him to international stages like Bloomberg's City Labs in Amsterdam, Dilla is proving that Chicago's history is anything but boring. He's a proud member of the Black Chicago History Initiative Steering Committee and has partnerships with every major Chicago sports team – because in this city, history and sports are practically synonymous.

More Than Just a History Lesson

"You Don't Know Chi" isn't just another YouTube show – it's a love letter to Chicago and its history. Each episode promises to peel back the layers of a city that Dilla boldly claims is the birthplace of everything "dope" in America. And honestly? He might just be right.

With accolades that would make most historians green with envy, Dilla isn't just telling stories – he's changing narratives. Named Chicago Tourism Ambassador of the Year in 2022, recipient of the Chicago Public Library Foundation's 21st Century Award, and crowned the best Chicago Twitter and TikTok pages by Chicago Reader magazine, he's more than a historian. He's a cultural phenomenon.

What to Expect from "You Don't Know Chi"

Imagine a YouTube show that's part documentary, part stand-up comedy, and entirely Chicago. "You Don't Know Chi" promises to be an exciting ride through the city's past, present, and future. Expect deep dives into neighborhood stories, untold tales of local heroes, and insights that will make even lifelong Chicagoans say, "Wait, what?". 

Through "You Don't Know Chi," Dilla is doing more than just entertaining – he's preserving and celebrating a city's soul. He challenges the national narrative about Chicago, showing the world a place of resilience, creativity, and unbreakable spirit.  Dilla furthers his mission of educating the public about the history of Chicago through his tour company Chicago Mahogany Tours one of the many Black-Owned businesses that can be found in our Directory.

Tune In, Chicago!

"You Don't Know Chi" isn't just a show – it's an experience. It's Chicago served up hot, with a side of humor, heart, and hardcore historical truth. So grab your cheese and caramel mix, settle in, and get ready to see the Windy City like never before.

Catch "You Don't Know Chi" on YouTube. Trust us, you don't want to miss this.