by Sarad Davenport
In a world that often rushes forward, filmmaker Lorenzo Dickerson is steadfastly looking back, unearthing the rich, untold narratives of rural Black communities and bringing them to the forefront. Fresh off his second regional Emmy win for the compelling documentary short Cash Crop, Dickerson is not just a filmmaker; he’s a preservationist, a storyteller, and a champion of the values that define a generation. StayFresh Magazine is proud to feature this visionary artist whose work profoundly resonates with our mission of celebrating Black farming, wine, and sustainability for the culture.
Lorenzo Dickerson, a self-described “rural guy from Virginia,” finds his deepest inspiration in the very soil his parents and grandparents tilled. “Anytime I’m back in that space, that’s just, you know, where I feel the most comfortable, where I get inspiration,” he shared in an exclusive interview. His latest Emmy-winning project, Cash Crop, is a testament to this connection. The film, a collaboration with Reel South, PBS North Carolina, VPM, and Black Public Media, delves into the world of tobacco farming in Lunenburg County, Virginia, through the eyes of Cecil Shell, a man whose family has farmed the same land for three generations.
The Roots of a Storyteller
Dickerson’s profound connection to rural life stems from his childhood. As an only child, he spent countless hours with the elders of his community—his grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-aunts and uncles. “I was definitely that kid that was on his bike all day long,” he reminisced, recalling how his grandmother would have to call a cousin’s house to ensure he came in before dark. These formative years were filled with listening to stories and asking questions, an experience that laid the groundwork for his filmmaking career. “Really the work that I do now, a lot of it is really me kind of chasing down those pieces of stories that I heard as a child and wanting to learn more and fill in the blanks,” Dickerson explained.
For Dickerson, storytelling is paramount, especially for the Black community. He believes that without it, “we run the risk of losing the values that came out of the community.” He holds his grandparents’ generation in high esteem, recognizing their distinct way of life and the lessons they imparted. He fondly recounted how his grandfather, after church, would remove his suit jacket, put on a bucket hat, and cut the grass, still impeccably dressed. Or how his mother would take his dress shirts to his grandmother to be perfectly pressed. These anecdotes speak to a generation that epitomized patience, self-discipline, and an enduring resilience—values Dickerson feels are increasingly vital today.
“Cash Crop”: A Timely Narrative
The genesis of Cash Crop was a serendipitous journey back to his rural roots. After his first Emmy-winning film, Raze, which focused on Charlottesville, Dickerson was keen to explore rural Virginia. Seven years ago, he obtained a list of African-American farmers in the state. Though initially sidetracked by other projects, he revisited the list. One farmer had moved, but the other, Mr. Cecil Shell, proved to be an invaluable connection.
“Mr. Shell reminds me so much of him,” Dickerson said, speaking of his late father, also named Lorenzo. The shared mannerisms, similar sayings, and even their mutual love for tinkering with old muscle cars forged an immediate and deep bond. This personal connection imbued the project with an added layer of meaning for Dickerson.
Cash Crop tackles the complex intersection of tradition and progress in Lunenburg County. The film highlights the struggle of tobacco farmers like Mr. Shell, who are committed to preserving their legacy, against the backdrop of burgeoning solar energy facilities. These facilities, attracted by cheap, flat land, offer an alternative income for landowners but threaten the long-standing agricultural traditions and the very fabric of the local economy. “The main conflict is the solar facilities coming in and one, changing the way of the economy of the county,” Dickerson noted, “but then also losing the potential to lose that tradition of tobacco farming.”
The Emmy Moment: A Family Affair
Winning his second regional Emmy was a moment of immense pride for Dickerson, particularly because his 10-year-old son was by his side. Unlike his first win, when he was unaware of the intricate Emmy process, this time, Dickerson understood the magnitude. Yet, with more films in his category, his confidence wavered. “My 10-year-old was like, ‘You got it. We got it.’ He was not wavering at all,” Dickerson recounted, smiling. “So it was really cool for like, I don’t know, like to lean into his confidence in that moment.” Seeing his son walk up with him to accept the award was “probably my favorite of the evening.”
A Dad’s Philosophy: Instilling Confidence
Dickerson’s approach to fatherhood mirrors his artistic philosophy: deeply rooted in instilling confidence and embracing the values passed down through generations. “I love being a dad,” he affirmed, explaining how he prioritizes picking up his children from school, cherishing those moments. His primary goal is to ensure his sons are “confident Black boys in this world.” This conviction comes directly from his own father, Boo Boo, who was “the most confident person I’ve ever met in my life.” His father’s unwavering belief that “everything always works out for old Boo” is a mantra Dickerson strives to pass on to his boys.
Home Is Where the Heart Is
After living in Raleigh-Durham and Maryland, Dickerson and his family returned to Charlottesville in 2015 when his wife pursued her doctorate at UVA. This return home felt fated. “I just feel like we’re supposed to be here,” he recalled telling his wife. “We’re supposed to be here back home for some reason.” It was around this time that he began his filmmaking journey. Now, residing near his in-laws, his children walk to their grandparents’ house, mirroring his own rural upbringing. This deep connection to his community, his family, and his roots continues to fuel his remarkable storytelling.
Lorenzo Dickerson’s work is a powerful reminder that the most compelling stories often lie closest to home, waiting to be uncovered and shared. His dedication to preserving Black narratives and celebrating the resilience of his community makes him an invaluable voice and a true inspiration.
