Please Dont Die Black Men

Why We Started – The Heart Behind PDDBM Afterschool Programs

PDDBM’s afterschool programs didn’t start as an idea.

They started as a necessity—born from pain, injustice, and a mother’s refusal to watch her child be broken by a system that was supposed to help her thrive.

My name is Ruby N. Lewis, and I created these programs because my daughter was failed by the public school district system. We moved to Vancouver, WA from Henrico, Virginia in March 2014, full of hope for a fresh start. But instead of opportunity, we were met with racism, exclusion, and negligence.

My daughter was placed in special education in the 2nd grade—without my knowledge or consent. No one informed me. I didn’t even know she had an IEP until much later. She was a bright, capable child with big dreams, but from Kindergarten through 7th grade, she was bullied, demeaned, segregated, and repeatedly traumatized by both teachers and peers.

Despite eventually having an IEP, BIP, and Crisis Plan in place, school officials failed to follow any of it. They claimed they were providing support, but what they provided was punishment. Teachers excluded her. Staff isolated her. Administrators suspended her. And all the while, her pain was pathologized instead of being met with compassion or understanding.

She’s a child born of complex circumstances and incredible resilience—but the school’s actions nearly shattered her spirit. She became suicidal.

Not because of who she is, but because of how she was treated.

After years of documenting every email, filing complaints, showing up to meetings, and begging for accountability from Evergreen and Vancouver School Districts—with no meaningful or lasting change—I turned to OHSU. Their evaluation confirmed what I already knew: 

My daughter needed afterschool programs to support her mental, emotional, and social well-being.

The school district refused to act.

So I did.

That’s why I started the PDDBM Afterschool Programs.

Not just for my daughter—but for every child like her.

Today, our free programs in fashion design, filmmaking, and journalism give youth the education, mentorship, and creative outlet they’ve been denied elsewhere. We provide:

✔️ Safe, affirming spaces where Black and special needs youth are heard, seen, and celebrated

✔️ Skill-building opportunities that lead to real entrepreneurship, portfolios, and careers

✔️ Transportation, meals, and equipment so no child is excluded due to lack of access

✔️ Healing-centered education, rooted in justice, culture, and the brilliance of every student

This is not just programming—it’s resistance. It’s protection. It’s love in action.

PDDBM exists because no more Black children should be harmed in the name of education.

We are building the very world we want our children to grow up in—one where they don’t just survive, but thrive.

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Mission

Empowering Lives, Building Equity: PDDBM commits to championing the advancement and prosperity of African American/Black communities, particularly children of color, through dedicated efforts in education, opportunity, and cultural enrichment. Rooted in the principles of equity, PDDBM strives to break barriers and redefine narratives, ensuring every individual has the support and resources needed to thrive in a world of limitless possibilities.

Vision Statement

A Future of Equality and Empowerment: PDDBM envisions a world where African American/Black communities, especially children of color, stand on the foundation of equal access, quality education, and economic opportunities. Through relentless advocacy, transformative events, and strategic partnerships, PDDBM seeks to reshape the narrative, fostering a society where everyone has the tools to shape their destiny, breaking free from the constraints of systemic injustice.

Core Values

• Equity: We are unwavering in our commitment to dismantling barriers and creating an equitable society where every individual has the opportunity to flourish.
• Education: We believe in the transformative power of education and strive to provide access to quality learning experiences that empower and inspire.
• Inclusivity: Our strength lies in embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates the richness of African American/Black cultures.
• Empowerment: We empower individuals to overcome challenges, fostering resilience and self-belief to shape a future of limitless potential.
• Advocacy: PDDBM is a vocal advocate for justice, equality, and systemic change, working tirelessly to address and rectify societal imbalances. 

PDDBM's mission and vision serve as guiding lights, steering our actions, decisions, and partnerships towards a future where African American/Black communities thrive, breaking free from historical constraints and embracing a legacy of empowerment, education, and equity.