Source:  Kristin Sargent, NCSU COLLEGE OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES, 10/12/21

Julius Tillery, founder of the company Black Cotton and a distinguished leader in environmental, agricultural and racial justice in North Carolina, is being honored by North Carolina State University’s Park Scholars with the William C. Friday Award.

Tillery was chosen to receive the award by the Park Scholars senior class of 2022 because of his strong advocacy for North Carolina’s agricultural and environmental sectors. His company focuses on uplifting the Black community and farmers in Northampton County, where Tillery grew up.

“I’m a fifth generation farmer and grew up farming with my father and grandfather,” says Tillery. In 2016, he founded Black Cotton to honor his roots and promote Black-grown cotton as both beautiful and profitable. The company sources cotton from farmers in Northampton County to create handmade home decor, jewelry and accessories.   

“There are negative thoughts in regards to the historical importance of Black people in cotton and what I want to do is to show everything in a more beautiful light,” Tilery says.

Tillery has dedicated his career to improving the lives of farmers and farming communities across both North Carolina and the entire United States. In addition to his role as an entrepreneur, Tillery serves as the North Carolina state coordinator for the Black Family Land Trust, a Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Administrative Council member, and a North Carolina Forestry Advisory Council member. 

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