From Detroit Teen Mom to African Queen: An Inspiring Transformation

Have you ever dreamed of leaving behind your ordinary life to become African royalty? Kennedy Johnson did just that. At 15, she found herself pregnant and alone, but 25 years later, she became an African queen.

Hailing from Detroit, Johnson was left at a foster home for teenage mothers by a relative who never returned. Despite the challenges of raising a child at such a young age, Johnson remained determined to pursue her goals, including traveling abroad. When her daughter D’Kiya turned 11, they began their international adventures, exploring places like Hong Kong and South America. Johnson shared their travels online to show that yes, Black people travel too!

In a surprising turn of events, a DNA test revealed Johnson’s Nigerian and Ghanaian heritage. This led her to West Africa, where she fell in love with the region and founded Green Book Travel in 2018. The organization focuses on culturally-immersive ancestry trips to West Africa for Black people worldwide.

During a trip to Ghana in 2021, Johnson was asked by the local spiritual leader to prepare to be the Queen. She was bestowed the title of “Zosimli Naa,” or “Friendship Queen” in October 2021. Johnson was later granted full Ghanaian citizenship in November 2024 and now resides in Tamale, where she runs the foundation Kith and Kin, providing clean water and shoes for children in the area.

Johnson’s daughter, now 28, proudly refers to her mother as the “Swagger Queen” and admires her resilience and accomplishments. Reflecting on her journey, Johnson admits that it still feels like a dream. “I’m still pinching myself,” she says. The story of Kennedy Johnson is a testament to overcoming obstacles and embracing unexpected opportunities.