Faustine McDonald: Sickle Cell Warrior and Beyond

Faustine McDonald, a woman of profound depth hailing from Western North Carolina, seamlessly blends legacy and innovation. As an entrepreneur, her accomplishments include introducing the first African-American owned downtown business in Jackson County, thus breaking barriers and challenging traditional narratives. Her personal struggles with sickle cell anemia haven't deterred her; rather, they've inspired her to craft the powerful Survivor's Journey Clothing brand. Faustine's unconditional commitment towards protecting her family's land, preserving the history of her community, and perpetuating generational wealth underscores her dedication to creating a steadfast legacy.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Unearth the vibrant history and experiences from the Black Appalachian perspective rarely told before.
• Grasp the vital need for preserving family history as a cornerstone of enduring legacy.
• Confront the existing stereotypes of blackness and learn about the need for more diverse representation.
• Learn real-life lessons from an inspiring entrepreneurial journey that carved its own successful path.
• Understand why names and identity hold so much weight in defining our unique selves.

Learn more about Faustine McDonald and her work:

• Faustine McDonald: Survivor's Journey Clothing home page
• Faustine McDonald: Survivor's Journey: The Story Behind the Clothing Brand (video)
• Travel to Western North Carolina Mountains - Casey Paradise Tiny Home Mountain Retreat, Cullowhee, NC hosted by Airbnb
• Learn Black History of Western North Carolina Mountains - Just Over the Hill Black Appalachians in Jackson County, Western North Carolina (book) by Victoria A. Casey McDonald
• Sickle Cell 101 (SC101) founded in 2013 a Silicon Valley-based non-profit organization that specializes in sickle cell education. Dedicated to providing evidence-based, patient friendly content to the sickle cell community. 
• PBS Southern Storytellers: Episode 1 (Aired: 07/18/23, Expires: 07/17/27)

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.