House Resolution 959
By: Representatives Willis of the 55th and Dickey of the 134th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Kendall Rae Johnson; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Kendall Rae Johnson, a trailblazer in urban farming and food sustainability, has
made history as the youngest certified farmer in the United States, achieving this remarkable
feat at just nine years old; and
WHEREAS, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Kendall Rae's passion for agriculture began
at the age of three, inspired by the enduring wisdom of her late great-grandmother, Laura
"Kate" Williams, who encouraged her to "put collard greens back in the dirt"; and
WHEREAS, what began with a small patio garden has since grown into a flourishing urban
farming initiative, through which Kendall Rae cultivates cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and
her signature collard greens, all while encouraging thousands of young people across the
country to embrace agriculture as a pathway to entrepreneurship and sustainability; and
WHEREAS, as the founder of Kendall Rae's Green Heart Non-Profit Organization, she has
empowered more than 400 students and supported over 54 youth entrepreneurs through
agricultural education, sustainability programs, and business mentorship; and
WHEREAS, Kendall Rae continues to break barriers as the first-ever United States
Department of Agriculture Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador, using her platform to
advocate for food sustainability, youth empowerment, and increased access to agricultural
opportunities; and
WHEREAS, in her role as USDA Youth Ambassador, she will embark on the 1890
Land-Grant University Tour in partnership with USDA's NUag and Virginia State
University, promoting financial literacy, urban farming practices, USDA youth loans, and
career pathways in agriculture at historically Black colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, she is also the author of the acclaimed children's book I'm Growing Places,
which encourages young readers to engage in gardening, farming, and entrepreneurship, and
she recently launched Kraezy Good Tomato Sauce – Easy Kid Cooking to promote healthy
eating in a fun, accessible way; and
WHEREAS, Kendall Rae Johnson continues to nurture the next generation of farmers,
entrepreneurs, and environmental leaders, making it abundantly fitting and proper that she
be appropriately honored during this special time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize and commend Kendall Rae Johnson for her
groundbreaking contributions to agriculture, youth development, and entrepreneurship as
well as extend best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to
Kendall Rae Johnson.