As a fifth-generation farmer, North Carolina native Julius Tillery grew up seeing firsthand the disparities and injustices between Black-owned farms and those of their white counterparts. Tillery’s family farm sits on 125 acres, growing soybeans, peanuts, and cotton. Mr. Tillery received his Economics degree with a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Tillery also serves on Southern SARE’s Administrative Council and the North Carolina Forestry Advisory Council.
Tillery founded BlackCotton in 2016 with a mission to maintain the sustainability of his family farm, educate and empower the Black community, and establish a positive narrative associated with cotton production. Tillery’s business features genuine and distinguished home decor, jewelry, and accessories handmade with cotton that is cultivated and cared for on local Black-owned farmland. BlackCotton also offers agritourism, which is an essential piece in educating visitors about Tillery’s multi-generational farm and business.BlackCotton is a thriving, culture-focused company that prides itself on highlighting the production of cotton in a new way.
In addition to farming and expanding the BlackCotton brand, Julius also focuses his time on Black farmer advocacy programs and educating local college students on modern agriculture.
To learn more about Julius Tillery and BlackCotton, visit www.blackcotton.us.
