Chicago historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas is an Emmy Award-wining modern historian and brand ambassador. Dilla has become a Chicago influencer, activist, and social media sensation.

Dilla’s history TikTok videos on everything Chicago have been viewed over 40 million times, and he has amassed a following of 300K followers across all social media platforms.

Dilla has been featured on much of Chicago’s media—including NBC 5, ABC 7, WGN, Fox 32, WCIU 26, and WBEZ—and has appeared nationally on both The Today Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show. He is also a freelance writer for the Chicago Defender and for Block Club Chicago. Dilla is a proud lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side. He lives by the saying that everything dope about America comes from Chicago.

He has received numerous recognitions and awards, including:

• 2022 Choose Chicago Chicago Tourism Ambassador of the Year

• Chicago Public Library Foundation’s 21st Century Award.

• Studs Terkel Uplifting Voices

• As well as awards from the American Planning Association, City Club of Chicago, and many others.