25 LC 112 3673 House Resolution 959 By: Representatives Willis of the 55 th and Dickey of the 134 th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Kendall Rae Johnson; and for other purposes. 1 WHEREAS, Kendall Rae Johnson, a trailblazer in urban farming and food sustainability, has2 made history as the youngest certified farmer in the United States, achieving this remarkable3 feat at just nine years old; and4 WHEREAS, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Kendall Rae's passion for agriculture began5 at the age of three, inspired by the enduring wisdom of her late great-grandmother, Laura6 "Kate" Williams, who encouraged her to "put collard greens back in the dirt"; and7 WHEREAS, what began with a small patio garden has since grown into a flourishing urban8 farming initiative, through which Kendall Rae cultivates cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and9 her signature collard greens, all while encouraging thousands of young people across the10 country to embrace agriculture as a pathway to entrepreneurship and sustainability; and11 WHEREAS, as the founder of Kendall Rae's Green Heart Non-Profit Organization, she has12 empowered more than 400 students and supported over 54 youth entrepreneurs through13 agricultural education, sustainability programs, and business mentorship; and14 H. R. 959 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3673 WHEREAS, Kendall Rae continues to break barriers as the first-ever United States 15 Department of Agriculture Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador, using her platform to16 advocate for food sustainability, youth empowerment, and increased access to agricultural17 opportunities; and18 WHEREAS, in her role as USDA Youth Ambassador, she will embark on the 189019 Land-Grant University Tour in partnership with USDA's NUag and Virginia State20 University, promoting financial literacy, urban farming practices, USDA youth loans, and21 career pathways in agriculture at historically Black colleges and universities; and22 WHEREAS, she is also the author of the acclaimed children's book I'm Growing Places,23 which encourages young readers to engage in gardening, farming, and entrepreneurship, and24 she recently launched Kraezy Good Tomato Sauce – Easy Kid Cooking to promote healthy25 eating in a fun, accessible way; and26 WHEREAS, Kendall Rae Johnson continues to nurture the next generation of farmers,27 entrepreneurs, and environmental leaders, making it abundantly fitting and proper that she28 be appropriately honored during this special time.29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that30 the members of this body recognize and commend Kendall Rae Johnson for her31 groundbreaking contributions to agriculture, youth development, and entrepreneurship as32 well as extend best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors.33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized34 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to35 Kendall Rae Johnson.36 H. R. 959 - 2 -