North Carolina — In a time when very few Black cotton farms still exist in the United States, one family is working hard to keep their history alive. Julius Tillery is a 5th-generation farmer helping his family run a 400-acre cotton farm in Northampton County, North Carolina. His work is building a future and honoring the past.
The black cotton farm has been in Julius’s family for many years. Today, he leads the family business and grows more than just cotton — he also creates beautiful handmade products like home décor, jewelry, and accessories using the cotton they harvest. His business, BlackCotton.us, shares this special cotton with customers across the country.
There are only a small number of Black cotton farms left in America. Over the past century, the number of farms owned by Black farmers has dropped sharply. In 1920, nearly a million Black farmers worked the land. Now, only a small percentage of U.S. farms are owned by Black producers. This makes the Tillery family farm even more important for history and culture.
Julius says his goal is to preserve his family’s legacy, celebrate Black farming traditions, and show the world how valuable cotton can be when it is grown and shared in new ways. His work also helps educate others about farming and Black land ownership.
Every day on the farm is meaningful for Julius and his team. They grow cotton with care and take pride in preserving their family’s work from generation to generation. Their story reminds people that farming is not just a job — it is culture, history, and community.
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