“He who does not cultivate his field will die of hunger.”
Our Team
Bernard Singleton, Co-Founder and Executive Director
Terri PAYNE Johnson, Urban Ag Institute Program Coordinator
Terri Payne Johnson is a highly motivated professional originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She attended Hampton University and the University of Detroit. Upon graduation, she returned to her home state and became a Professional Educator. She recently relocated to the Charlotte area to join the fight to increase student achievement. Currently, she is the 4th Grade Team Leader at a Project L.I.F.T./CMS Elementary School where she continues to challenge students of all ages to operate at their full potential. She is married to Joseph, her first boyfriend.
Allen Sendler, Communications
Allen joined the team, after a long career in the mental health. He personally appreciates maintaining good mental and physical health and discovered organic farming, and healthy herb and vegetable consumption as a direct result of his involvement with Bennu Gardens. He enjoys educating youth, along with their families and neighbors, on the best practices in organic farming and harvesting and is honored to be a member of the Bennu Gardens team.
Benjenus Jenkins
Kwon McCollough, Farm Intern
Ben Case, Farm Manager
Ben is a farmer who grew up near Chester, SC. As a kid, he quickly discovered his love for nature and science through exploring the woods and streams near his home. This love was further cultivated through studying conservation biology at Clemson. At Clemson, Ben focused on organic agriculture, botany, and ecology. Ben has grown to greatly appreciate the deep connection between people and place and is excited to commit his agrarian skills and knowledge towards Jubilee Farms’ vision of helping foster healthy communities and partnering with Bennu Gardens.
Steve Witherup, Farm Manager
Steve oversees the food production side of Bennu Gardens at Jubilee Farms in Chester, S.C. Steve’s entry intro agrarianism was a spiritual one. He is an eco-theologian and pastor within the Judeo-Christian tradition. He believes that life is to be lived in harmony, not only with God and others, but with all of creation. This belief led to his study of permaculture which was the foundational philosophy for building a four-acre family farm with his wife, Beth. Today, the same principles guide his approach to growing food on the Jubilee Farm and partnering with Bennu Gardens.