top of page
Writer's pictureRuby N Lewis

Get Ready for Action

Get Ready for Action

Festivals, Programs, and Voting Power!


Friday, July 19, 2024

Welcome to our latest newsletter and blog post! Dive in to discover the Ridgefield Multicultural Festival, the Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair, our upcoming open house for afterschool programs, and the significance of voting. Stay informed and get involved in these exciting events and opportunities to make a difference in our community!


 

PDDBM Afterschool Program Open House


PDDBM Afterschool Program Flyer
PDDBM Afterschool Program Flyer

Join Us at the Bridgeview Resource Center!

Address: 505 Omaha Way, Vancouver, WA 98661

Dates and Times:

  • Saturday, August 24th: 1 pm - 3 pm

  • Monday, August 26th: 6 pm - 8 pm



As the Vancouver School District's first day of school is Wednesday, August 28th, we want to ensure that parents and students have the opportunity to sign up for our afterschool programs. This open house is a perfect chance to meet the teachers, explore the location, ask questions, and more.

 

What to Expect:

  • Food, drinks, and games provided

  • Meet the instructors

  • Engage in interactive activities

  • Explore the curriculum

  • Tour the classroom and facilities

  • Q&A session to clarify expectations

  • Get a copy of the syllabus for your program(s)

 

Program Highlights:

  • Fashion Design Program: Learn the basics of fashion design with a focus on print-on-demand fashion, create unique clothing pieces, and participate in two fashion shows over 20 weeks.

  • PROUD Magazine Journalism Program: Develop writing, research, photography, and editorial skills while producing two magazine issues, both in print and digital formats.

  • Film Afterschool Program: Over 20 weeks, collaboratively create a short film from scriptwriting to screening with resources like MetroEast Community Media and Open Signal.

  • Modeling 101 Program: Gain essential modeling skills including runway walking, working with photographers, and professional grooming. Suitable for all ages, from babies to adults.

 

Scan the QR code to sign up for any of our exciting programs today!


 

Exciting News! Ruby N Lewis to Headline at the Ridgefield Multicultural Festival


Photo credit: Carl LaCasse Photography. Kaagba Ohenaa at the 2023 Ridgefield Multicultural Festival.
Photo credit: Carl LaCasse Photography. Kaagba Ohenaa at the 2023 Ridgefield Multicultural Festival.


We are thrilled to announce that our very own Chairwoman and President, Ruby N Lewis, will be one of the headlining fashion designers at this year's Ridgefield Multicultural Festival! The festival will take place on September 7, 2024, at Overlook Park in Ridgefield, WA, from 9 am to 3 pm. This year's theme is "Food and Fashion," promising a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures.

 

Event Details:

  • Date: September 7, 2024

  • Time: 9 am - 3 pm

  • Location: Overlook Park, Ridgefield, WA

  • Theme: Food and Fashion

  • Cost: Free! This is a kid-friendly event.

 

Festival Highlights:

  • Multiple nonprofit organizations, including Please Don't Die Black Men (PDDBM) and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), will have vendor tables.

  • Enjoy a variety of food, crafts, cooking classes, dancing classes, drumming classes, a flash mob, and multiple performances.

 

Join Ruby's Fashion Show:

Ruby N Lewis has 10 spots available for models who wish to participate. If you are interested in modeling, please call Ruby at (360) 241-4479. This is an incredible opportunity, as selected models will also have a chance to model in another fashion show on the same day by Nii Ardey Allotey, owner of Anansi's Beats and Drums in Portland, OR, featuring stunning Ghanaian fashion.

 

Call for Diversity:

We are seeking models of all ages, sizes, and genders, so don't hesitate to sign up as spots are filling up quickly. Additionally, there has been limited African and African American representation at this event in past years, except for Anansi Beats and Drums. We encourage all PDDBM followers to show up and show out, regardless of your gender, race, creed, etc.

 

Learn More and Get Involved:

If you would like to participate in the flash mob, you can do so by learning the dance from the attached video. For more details about the festival, visit their website at Ridgefield Multicultural Festival.

 



Come out and support this wonderful event, celebrate diverse cultures, and cheer on Ruby N Lewis and other incredible performers!


 

Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair

Saturday, Sept 14, 2024

9 AM – 3 PM

Esther Short Park

605 Esther St., Vancouver, WA 98660


The Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair Nonprofit Banner
Photo Credit: The Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair



The Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair will showcase the hard work and creative spirit of individuals, social justice groups, peace organizations, faith communities, performers, artists, businesses, and environmental activists who are making the world a better place.

 

The fair provides participants the opportunity to:

  • Network with other groups

  • Showcase their work

  • Publicize upcoming events

  • Celebrate with like-minded individuals

  • Recruit supporters

  • Solicit donations

  • Educate the community

 

PDDBM Sponsorship and Participation

PDDBM is proud to announce that we are sponsors of the Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair. We will have a vendor table and will be hosting a bake sale to raise funds for our Afterschool Programs, which begin in September. Your support is invaluable, and we encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the fair, and contribute to our cause.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!


 

Importance of Voting in All Elections


multicultural and diversified picture of Americans who have voted
Voter Registration in America


As we approach this year’s elections, it’s crucial to remember that voting extends beyond the presidential race. Here in Vancouver, WA, we have significant local and state issues that require our attention. These elections shape our immediate communities, influencing decisions on education, healthcare, public safety, and more. By casting your vote in these local and state elections, you are directly impacting the policies and leadership that govern our daily lives.

 

It is essential to recognize the profound struggles African Americans and women faced to secure their right to vote. The long fight for suffrage was marked by courage and resilience, a testament to the importance of having a voice in our democracy. As Alice Walker aptly said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” By choosing not to vote, we surrender our power and silence our voices. Let us honor the legacy of those who fought for our right to vote by participating in every election and making our voices heard.


 

Celebrate PDDBM Chairwoman and President’s Birthday by Supporting Our Mission!


A picture of the Chairwoman and President of PDDBM
Ruby N Lewis | Chairwoman and President

Read The Full Interview



On September 15th, we will be celebrating the birthday of our esteemed Chairwoman and President. In honor of her dedication and tireless work for Please Don't Die Black Men (PDDBM), she has a special birthday wish: for all of PDDBM's followers to donate a minimum of $5 to our organization.

 

Our Chairwoman recently shared in an interview, "Achieving equity and greatness requires us to work together. At PDDBM, we believe in the power of community and collective effort. Every contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role in driving our mission forward."

As a nonprofit, the strength and success of PDDBM rely heavily on the support and involvement of our local community. Volunteers and community members are the backbone of our initiatives, and your help is invaluable.

 

Upcoming Events and Celebrations

Kwanzaa Celebration

Mark your calendars for our Kwanzaa Celebration on December 14th! This event is a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate our heritage, and strengthen our community bonds.

 

Black History Month Fashion Show

Our much-anticipated Black History Month Fashion Show is set for February 8, 2025. Tickets are on sale now, with special discounted rates for youth:

  • Ages 3 and under: Free

  • Ages 4-12: Discounted tickets

  • Ages 13 and up: Regular price

  • Take advantage of our early bird ticket prices available now!

 

Join Our PDDBM Ambassador Program

We are excited to announce the PDDBM Ambassador Incentive! We are looking for motivated individuals to join our team as ambassadors. By promoting and selling event tickets to your network, you'll have the opportunity to earn a fantastic 25% of the total sales value!

 

We believe that everyone can make a difference, which is why eligibility is open to all from 5th grade to adult. This is a great opportunity to earn money from home while supporting a meaningful cause.

 

Download our flyer and terms and conditions below to become an ambassador today!



 

Ruby N Lewis | Chairwoman and President | Please Don't Die Black Men )PDDBM) | 2700 Caples Avenue NUM 3278, Vancouver, WA 98661 | (360) 241 - 4479 | ceochair@pddbm.org | www.pddbm.org | www.facebook.com/PDDBM |www.instagram.com/officialpddbm | www.twitter.com/officialpddbm | www.tiktok.com/@officialpddbm | www.youtube.com/@officialpddbm | www.linkedin.com/company/officialpddbm

 

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page