Joshua’s Story

Joshua Faison Legacy Foundation was created from love.

Joshua was a young man of incredible heart, compassion and purpose. He believed in lifting others, serving his community and creating opportunities for those around him. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the foundation established in his honor.

Joshua Malik Faison — His Story

Joshua Malik Faison was born on November 12, 1997, to Reginald Faison Jr. and Nadine Faison. To his family, he was lovingly known as “J-Smooth,” while his friends affectionately called him “Jiggy.”

Joshua was handsome, laid-back, sophisticated, and full of personality. He loved looking good, especially wearing his favorite sneakers—he truly had “happy feet.” He also loved riding with his dad in his classic candy-apple-red 1974 convertible Buick, with the top down and enjoying the moment.

Joshua graduated from Decatur High School in 2015. He attended HIS Academy and the DeKalb Academy of Technology and went on to work as a UPS driver for five years. He was hardworking, friendly, and loved spending time with his family and friends.

A Love for Travel and Culture

Joshua and his mother, Nadine, shared a special love for traveling and experiencing different cultures. One of their memorable experiences was traveling to Costa Rica with the DeKalb Academy of Technology on a mission trip. Joshua and Nadine had the opportunity to help students learn English, while also learning about Costa Rican culture, exploring the country, and experiencing a different way of life.

They also traveled together to Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, where they embraced the opportunity to explore, learn, and experience another culture.

Joshua’s passion for learning about the world extended beyond traveling. During his ninth-grade year, Joshua and Nadine opened their home to their first international exchange student through the CIEE organization. What began as an opportunity to welcome one student into their home became a meaningful journey of friendship and cultural exchange.

Over the years, Joshua and Nadine welcomed and bonded with exchange students from South Korea, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, and Brazil. These experiences allowed Joshua to build relationships with people from different backgrounds, learn about their cultures, and appreciate the many ways people around the world live and connect.

Traveling, learning, and welcoming others into their home helped shape Joshua’s appreciation for education, cultural experiences, and giving back. These experiences are a meaningful part of the inspiration behind the Joshua Faison Legacy Foundation.

Continuing Joshua’s Legacy

Joshua lived with sickle cell disease, but his illness did not define who he was. He continued to live, love, laugh, work, travel, and create meaningful memories with those around him.

Joshua passed away on March 7, 2023, leaving behind a family and community who continue to love and miss him deeply. Although his life was far too short, his experiences, relationships, and love for learning continue to inspire the work of the Joshua Faison Legacy Foundation.

The Foundation was created to honor Joshua’s memory by providing students with resources, mentorship, educational opportunities, travel experiences, and opportunities to discover the world beyond their own communities.

Joshua’s love for education, travel, cultural experiences, and giving back continues through every student we support, every opportunity we provide, and every life we touch in his name.

OUR MISSION

The Joshua Faison Legacy Foundation exists to uplift and support students and communities by providing resources, mentorship, scholarships, and opportunities that empower growth academically, personally, and professionally.