A lot of times—at least for me—we forget about the people who shape our communities and make them a better place. I would like to highlight one such person in our community: Ruby Lewis. She moved to Vancouver, Washington, in 2014 to live with her biological mom and to get the support her daughter needed, in hopes of a fresh start. Unfortunately, she ran into an obstacle—her daughter wasn’t getting the help she needed to thrive.
Ruby said in an email to me:
“My daughter experienced severe systemic racism from teachers, staff, and peers—from kindergarten through seventh grade. She was illegally placed in special education and excluded from after-school programs. Those injustices are what truly inspired me to start PDDBM’s after-school programs—to ensure that Black and BIPOC youth have safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.”
What love she showed for her daughter and others like her! We need more people like Ruby in this world. She also told me, and I quote:
“My long-term goal is to open my own school that helps African-American and BIPOC youth build independence, entrepreneurial skills, and equitable opportunities. I focus heavily on equity—not just equality—because equity addresses the unique barriers people face and creates real access to success.”
You go, Ruby—don’t let anything get in your way!
Ruby would also like you to know:
“Our nonprofit, Please Don’t Die Black Men (PDDBM), provides transportation for students to and from our after-school programs. I don’t personally drive each child; transportation is an organized service provided through the nonprofit.”
Ruby enjoys the arts, and it’s no surprise that she has an art degree from Portland Community College. Ruby’s grandmother inspired her to pursue the arts. Ruby’s maternal grandmother sadly passed away in 1992, and Ruby has no doubt that she inherited her grandmother’s creativity. I have no doubt that if she were here today, she would be proud of what Ruby has accomplished. Ruby teaches fashion, film, and journalism, and she works very hard to inspire the next generation to pursue their goals and dreams.
Ruby is a hero in our community, helping young people build successful lives—not only now but well into adulthood. Ruby is laying the groundwork for our future generations to become successful, contributing members of our community, and for that, we should be forever grateful.
One dream of making her child’s life and education better has led to her improving not only her child’s life but the lives of many other kids as well—and for that, Ruby, we thank you. Too often, we forget those who work hard to make a difference in our community.
It is my goal to highlight entrepreneurs, businesses, artists, and others who make our community a better place—those who deserve recognition and support for the positive impact they create.
Please check out Ruby’s organization at the link below:
https://www.pddbm.org/
As always, live long and prosper 🖖
