Meet the Founders: The Williams Family
Delta Dirt Distillery was co-founded by Harvey and Donna Williams, along with their sons Thomas and Donavan, representing the culmination of a four-generation farming legacy in the Arkansas Delta. Their story is one of innovation, perseverance, and honoring ancestral wisdom.
Harvey Williams is a former agricultural engineer with deep roots in farming. Growing up in the Arkansas Delta, he witnessed firsthand the challenges facing Black farmers and rural communities. His technical expertise and agricultural knowledge became the foundation for transforming their family farm into something unprecedented in American spirits.
Donna Williams, the Chief Brand Officer, brings strategic vision and passion for storytelling to the distillery. She recognized the power of their family's story and worked to ensure their brand would not only produce exceptional spirits but also inspire and uplift their community.
Thomas and Donavan Williams represent the next generation, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the family business. Together, the family made the bold decision to diversify beyond traditional farming and create something that would preserve their land and legacy for future generations.
The Williams family's innovative use of sweet potatoes—a crop deeply connected to African American agricultural history and heritage—honors their ancestors' ingenuity. Their great-great-grandparents worked this same Delta soil, and the sweet potato became a symbol of resilience and creativity in Southern Black farming communities.
Beyond crafting exceptional spirits, the Williams family is committed to community revitalization in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, one of the most economically challenged areas of the Delta. Their distillery provides jobs, attracts visitors, and demonstrates what's possible when heritage meets innovation. They're proving that Black-owned agricultural businesses can thrive in the modern economy while staying rooted in tradition.
