Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. | January 19, 2026

Ruby N Lewis
Jan 19
2 min read

Today we honor the life, words, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Not with empty quotes. Not with performative posts. But with action, accountability, and commitment.

At Please Don’t Die Black Men (PDDBM), 2026 is about holding true to Dr. King’s morals, even when it is uncomfortable. Even when it is lonely. Even when no one stands beside us.

Dr. King taught us that justice is not passive. It requires courage. It requires integrity. It requires accountability. That accountability must start within our own community. If we do not hold our own people accountable, then we cannot honestly demand accountability from others when injustices are committed against us.

In 2026, PDDBM will continue to fight injustice for our youth in Clark County, Washington. We will do this whether we are supported or not. We will do this whether we are applauded or attacked. We will do this whether doors are opened or slammed in our faces.

We will continue to uplift, inspire, empower, and educate our youth.

We will continue to teach them how to work for themselves in a country where employment is not guaranteed, equity is not promised, and opportunity is often withheld. We will continue to give them real skills, real platforms, and real ownership of their creativity and their voices.

Let it be known: our fight in 2026 is for the youth of Clark County, WA. And we will not stop.

People may try to trip us up. Businesses may try to demean us. Institutions may try to demoralize us. Some have already tried. Many expected us to fail in 2025. They watched. They waited.

A Black woman wearing glasses and a black shirt that reads “We Are Not Going Anywhere” stands confidently with her arms crossed in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The engraved words “I Have a Dream” are visible behind her, symbolizing commitment to justice, resilience, and youth empowerment.

WE ARE STILL HERE!

And we are not going anywhere.

We will keep reminding our youth that they are strong. That they are brilliant. That they are wise. That they are capable of doing anything they set their minds to, even when the world tells them otherwise.

We will keep providing a platform where their voices matter. Where their stories are told. Where their creativity shines without permission or apology.

This is not a moment. This is a movement.

In the spirit of Dr. King, we move forward not in fear, but in purpose. Not in silence, but in truth. Not in comfort, but in courage.

We are here.

We are committed.

And we are not going anywhere.

—Please Don’t Die Black Men (PDDBM)