The Heart of Tillery: Storytelling, Service, & Self-Determination (Part 2)

Join us as we continue our conversation with Julius Tillery, Paul Nicholson, and Gary Rudolph Redding. They are from Tillery, North Carolina and their work spans agriculture, education, law, and community empowerment. Julius Tillery is a fifth-generation cotton farmer dedicated to preserving and redefining the legacy of Black cotton farming. He founded BlackCotton, a company that transforms raw cotton into home décor and accessories, aiming to honor his roots and promote Black-grown cotton. Julius has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to agriculture and rural development. His efforts have earned him accolades such as the 2021 Williams C. Friday Award from NC State University and Distinguished Young Alumni Award from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Paul Nicholson is a proud native of Tillery, NC and currently serves as the Director of a nonprofit organization based in Halifax County, dedicated to empowering youth across District 27. Paul has held impactful roles in public, charter, and private educational institutions. His diverse experience fuels his mission to guide the next generation toward their own greatness, blending technology, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership to create lasting change. Gary Rudolph Redding is a dedicated attorney and educator with a deep commitment to public interest law and community empowerment. A native of Tillery, NC, he is a third-generation “resettler” in the historic Tillery New Deal Resettlement Project, an initiative born from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1935 New Deal. Rooted in his humble beginnings and inspired by his family’s legacy, Gary continues to uplift marginalized voices and shape narratives that honor history, identity, and justice. Thanks for joining us for this two part conversation with Gary, Paul, and Julius! Be sure to follow Gary, Paul, and Julius to stay up to date on their work: Instagram: @garyrredding, @thebrotherhoodnonprofit, @blackcotton.us