Beats, Bloodlines & Black Cotton: Julius Tillery on Reclaiming Cotton and Powering a New Era of Black Farmers

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Season 1 | Episode 12

In this episode, we dig into the reclamation of cotton with Julius Tillery, a fifth-generation Black cotton farmer and unapologetic advocate for Black agricultural futures. Based in North Carolina, Julius shares how cotton isn’t just a trauma drenched crop — it’s a calling rooted in his linage. A healing practice. A cultural archive.

We explore the beauty and burden of cotton farming, the intergenerational strength that grounds his work, and how his land serves as a sanctuary for rest, resistance, and rural pride. Julius speaks on the financial realities of Black farmers, and how hip-hop has grounded his work in farming as both a lifestyle and a liberation tool.

With a specialty in using cotton in floral design and home décor, Julius is flipping the script on cotton’s narrative — and reminding us that the soil holds stories worth telling.

MORE ABOUT JULIUS

Julius Tillery is a fifth-generation farmer, entrepreneur, and leading advocate for Black farmers in North Carolina. As the founder of BlackCotton.us, he has redefined the narrative around cotton by elevating it as a symbol of Black resilience, creativity, and economic empowerment.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Economics and Entrepreneurship, Julius has dedicated his career to supporting rural communities and empowering farmers of color. His leadership extends across numerous agricultural and economic development initiatives, including his role as NC State Coordinator for the Farmers of Color Initiative and Farm Resources Coordinator for The Conservation Fund’s Resourceful Communities Program.

His commitment to agriculture and community impact has earned him several prestigious honors, including the 2023 African American Hero Award from Halifax Community College, the 2021 Distinguished Young Alumni Award from UNC-Chapel Hill, and the 2019 Farm to Fork Local Foods Hero Award from NC CEFS.

Beyond his work in farming, Julius serves on the Board of Directors for KIPP NC Charter Schools and is an Administrative Council member of Southern SARE, shaping policies that benefit sustainable agriculture in the South.

Through his work, Julius continues to champion economic opportunities for Black farmers, ensuring they have access to the resources and recognition they deserve.

“I think the South and cotton farms and cotton fields have been demonized so much that we forgot how beautiful they are in actuality. if you ever come to a cotton farm and hang out in the fields, you would be like, dang, this is really beautiful. I can see why Black people would want to be out here.”

— Julius