At just 15 years old, Kennedy Johnson became a teen mother while living in a foster home in Detroit. Determined to give her daughter, D’Kiya, a brighter future, Johnson made it her mission to travel and inspire her daughter to see the world and embrace other cultures. One transformative trip took them to Ghana, where they connected with their ancestral roots by supporting local schools and assisting with medical programs. This life-changing experience led Johnson to establish Green Book Travel, a company specializing in organizing trips to West Africa that highlight the rich history of the African diaspora. Over time, her frequent visits to Ghana and her efforts to bring hundreds of tourists to the region deepened her ties with the local community. In recognition of her humanitarian work, the people of Tamale, Ghana, honored her with the title of “Queen of Friendship.” During a traditional enstoolment ceremony filled with cultural rituals and symbolism, Johnson expressed profound gratitude, reflecting that as a pregnant teen in foster care, she never could have imagined one day being celebrated as a Ghanaian queen.
Image via CNN
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