HR 959: Johnson, Kendall Rae; commend

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.