Shermann "Dilla" Thomas

Chicago Historian, Chicago Mahogany Tours

Affectionately called "Dilla," Chicago Historian Shermann Thomas is a fascinating blend of a modern historian, cultural worker, and public employee. Dilla has become a Chicago social media sensation by going viral on TikTok. His 60-second history videos on everything Chicago have been viewed over 8 million times, and he has amassed a following of 150K followers across all social media platforms. Dilla has been featured on all Chicago media and has appeared nationally on both The Today Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show. He is a proud lifelong resident of Chicago's South side. Dilla co-founded Chicago Mahogany Foundation in January 2022. CMF is committed to preserving and disseminating the rich history and culture of the city of Chicago.

Through the power of storytelling, Dilla is helping to change the narrative locally and nationally about Chicago's value to the world. The 2023 Chicago Emmy winner has been named 2022 Chicago Tourism Ambassador of the Year by Choose Chicago, the city's tourism agency. He is a recipient of the prestigious Chicago Public Library Foundation's 21st Century Award, and a Studs Terkel Uplifting Voices recipient. Dilla was voted 2021 best Chicago Twitter and best Chicago TikTok pages by Chicago Reader magazine. He has presented Chicago history lessons and lectures to institutions such as the University of Chicago, LaSalle University (PA), Northwestern University, and several Chicago Community Colleges network partners. Dilla has also taught corporate groups such as Meta (Facebook); Microsoft, Google; Stork; Shriver Center of Poverty Law; & Chicago Cares. Dilla has represented Chicago in Amsterdam for Bloomberg's City Labs. He is a Black Chicago History Initiate Steering Committee member and a proud partner of the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Fire.