Black Cotton: A Farmer's Invitation to Serena Williams and a Call for Understanding
Julius Tillery is a fifth-generation cotton farmer from Rich Square, North Carolina. (Photo: BlackCotton.us)
By Omari Salisbury / @Omarisal / Omari@WhereWeConverge.com
In a world often quick to judge and slow to understand, Julius Tillery, a fifth-generation cotton farmer from Rich Square, North Carolina, is on a mission to redefine the narrative around Black people and cotton. Through his business, Black Cotton.us, Julius is not just selling home decorations and accessories; he's cultivating cultural pride and economic empowerment within rural Black communities, all while navigating the profound historical and systemic challenges that continue to impact Black farmers nationwide.
The Serena Williams Moment and a Deeper Conversation
Julius's journey into the spotlight began with a social media post from Serena Williams on September 25th. Williams shared an Instagram Story video expressing her discomfort after seeing a cotton plant used as hotel decor in a Manhattan hotel hallway. She questioned the choice of cotton as a decorative element, stating, "Personally, for me, it doesn't feel great," and visibly cringed as she touched a cotton bud.
Williams' reaction quickly sparked public conversation and debate. Many inferred her discomfort was tied to the complicated history of Black people and slavery in the United States, where enslaved Black people were forced to pick cotton under harsh conditions. Some applauded her for confronting what they saw as an insensitive choice, while others felt her reaction was excessive or hypervigilant.
Tillery’s response to Serena Williams Instagram post. (Instagram)
This moment sparked a thoughtful response from Julius, not of criticism, but of invitation. "What really made me respond is, particularly her saying she's bothered by cotton because she promotes clothing products from Nike that are typically made from cotton," Julius explained. He saw an opportunity to show a different perspective, one that acknowledges the painful history but also celebrates the resilience and ongoing contributions of Black cotton farmers.
"I would love to be able to give her an opportunity to see cotton differently," he shared. "I think that sometimes negative media has hurt how black people are looked at in rural lifestyles." Julius believes that by experiencing cotton on his family farm, people can gain a new understanding of its significance and the pride associated with its cultivation by Black farmers.
Tillery’s farm spans 125 acres in Rich Square, North Carolina. (Photo: BlackCotton.us)
Five Generations of Dedication Amidst Lingering Challenges
Julius's farm, spanning 125 acres in Northampton County, is a testament to generations of hard work and dedication. He is immensely proud to continue his family's legacy. "I'm just proud to be able to keep it going for my family," he stated, acknowledging the inherent challenges of farming, from fluctuating world prices and input costs to the impacts of climate change.
Beyond the economic hurdles, Julius emphasizes the cultural importance of his work. "What we're culturally bringing back is that sense of pride in the asset that's in these rural communities like mine, I think there's a lot of importance in that." He highlights the critical need for support for the few remaining Black cotton farmers, especially given a USDA study revealing that there are only 150 Black cotton farmers in the entire country, with an average age approaching 70. "Literally, this is an extinction-level event," he warned.
Challenges Facing Black Farmers Nationwide: A Systemic Issue
Julius's personal story is set against a backdrop of systemic challenges that have led to a drastic decline in the number of Black farmers and their land ownership in the United States:
Discrimination and Inequities in Government Programs: Historically, Black farmers have faced discriminatory government policies and practices, particularly from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Early farm loan programs disproportionately excluded Black farmers, and discriminatory county supervisors often denied them access to technical assistance, grants, and low-interest loans. Even as recently as 2022, the USDA granted direct loans to only 36% of Black farmer applicants, with a 16% rejection rate—the highest among all demographic groups. This ongoing discrimination makes it difficult for Black farmers to access the credit essential for purchasing equipment, livestock, seeds, and supplies.
Land Loss: Racist violence, anti-Black legislation, and discrimination have contributed to a massive decline in Black land ownership over the last century. Many Black-owned farms became "heirs' property," a complex legal status that made land vulnerable to loss through court-ordered sales and tax seizures due to a lack of financial planning resources. Government actions, including eminent domain, have also led to the seizure of Black-owned farms.
Economic Disparities: Black farmers consistently struggle financially, earning significantly less farm income than white farmers. They are also more likely to generate a net loss and operate on less land, further exacerbating economic inequalities.
Environmental Concerns: The National Black Farmers Association has raised concerns about "forever chemicals" (PFAS) contaminating land through the sale of biosolids as fertilizers, posing threats to the integrity of the food supply and the health of farming communities.
An Inclusive Movement for Relevancy
Julius's vision extends beyond his farm. He's organizing an event on November 8th, where he'll transform a cotton field into a space for healing, storytelling, entertainment, and food. "I've hosted hundreds of people to come by my farm to do farm tours, and I've never seen one leave on a negative note," he shared. The event aims to foster a deeper understanding of cotton's history and its connection to Black culture, allowing people to "feel pride in knowing what people have gone through."
Tillery hopes Williams will visit his farm to learn more about Black Cotton and the plight of Black farmers nationwide. (Photo: BlackCotton.us)
Crucially, the Black Cotton movement is inclusive. "We have to be inclusive to build these bridges with other races?" Julius asserted. He believes in supporting Black communities while also recognizing the need for broader collaboration within the agricultural system. "This is definitely an inclusive movement that we just want to show that these last few black cotton farmers, we can we can have that value. We can have relevancy."
Julius Tillery is not just growing cotton; he's nurturing a movement that seeks to honor the past, empower the present, and secure a relevant future for Black cotton farmers and agrarian lifestyles in America, all while bringing much-needed attention to the ongoing struggles and resilience of Black farmers across the nation.
To learn more about Julius Tillery and Black Cotton.us, you can find him on Instagram or visit his website at www.blackcotton.us.
