Anyla McDonald is an 18-year-old self-published author of the book “Black Joy & Black Tribulations.” She is an intern at Tailored Living Magazine, a columnist at Tumbleweird, and the newsletters editor for the Washington Chamber of Commerce. Her writing has also appeared in other local publications, including the Tri-Cities Journal of Business and the Waitsburg Times. Anyla frequently visits Black Student Unions, colleges, and libraries to share her personal experiences with racial discrimination, Black Thanksgiving traditions, Black history, and Black music. She works with numerous organizations, such as the Tri-Cities Diversity & Inclusion Council, Running Waters, Urban Poets Society, Sounds of the People, Cocoa, and The Listeners Project, to amplify stories of Black excellence. Anyla’s writings focus on themes of Black joy, Black trauma, and Black achievement, with the goal of empowering and encouraging others to embrace and celebrate their Blackness. Her powerful words are sure to touch, move, and uplift readers.