Here’s a fascinating and current story featuring Torgi Squire, a Black Scottish teacher whose TikTok video sparked an unexpected and uplifting cross-cultural dialogue:
Torgi Squire — A Scottish Teacher Goes Viral
Who Is He?
Torgi Squire is a 43-year-old high school Design and Technology teacher from Glasgow, Scotland, known on TikTok as @starboysobersfitness.
What Sparked the Buzz?
He posted a humorous TikTok video joking about Scotland’s typical summer weather—wondering why it always seems to improve as children head back to school. He signed off with his signature phrase: “a belter of a day.” Simple—but it resonated.
The Surprise Reaction
Torgi’s video went viral, earning nearly 4 million views and over 200,000 new followers, especially from African American viewers astonished to discover a Black man speaking with a genuine Scottish accent.
Many commented things like:
“There are Black Scottish men?!? I’ve never seen one before.”
“Why no one told me black Scottish was a thing?”
His resemblance to actor Sterling K. Brown added extra buzz.
The Bigger Movement: #BlackScottishTikTok
The video sparked a trending conversation under the hashtag #BlackScottishTikTok, with other Black Scots—like TikTok personalities Ellie Koepplinger and Manny Daphey—joining the conversation and offering insight.
- Ellie Koepplinger (28), a mixed-heritage creator, spotlighted Scotland’s layered racial landscape.
- Manny Daphey (20) said the interaction felt like reconnecting with long-lost family.
- Safari, a Scottish rapper, shared music and stories with a suddenly fascinated global audience.
Cultural Curiosity & Connection
This trend ignited transatlantic curiosity—especially among African Americans intrigued by a Black Scottish identity that rarely appears in mainstream narratives. It opened up discussions about the UK’s Black diaspora and the often-overlooked diversity of Scotland.
Comedian Roy Wood Jr., visiting Scotland, joined in by meeting Black Scottish creators and commenting on how educational gaps in the U.S. limit awareness of Black Europeans.
Torgi’s Take
Torgi described the attention as “a whirlwind.” He emphasized that while Scotland remains underrepresented in global Black history discourse, the country has always been more diverse—and welcoming—than many realize.
Summary
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Torgi Squire, Glasgow-based high school Design & Technology teacher |
| Viral Moment | TikTok rant about Scottish weather, gaining ~4M views and 200K followers |
| Cultural Hook | Viewers surprised to discover a Black man speaking with a Scottish accent |
| Movement | #BlackScottishTikTok; other Black Scots joined the chat |
| Impact | Sparked global interest and a fresh conversation on diasporic identity |
| Next Steps | Roy Wood Jr. met creators; broader dialogue on shared history and representation |
