Our Story / RUE

A place to be known. A path to lead.

Rooted in Washington, D.C., RUE brings movement, mentorship, and intentional development together for young men.

Why we exist

Young men deserve more than a place to pass the time.

They deserve positive relationships, structure, brotherhood, and opportunities to discover what they are capable of. Rooted in D.C., our work builds spaces where young men can practice making choices, taking responsibility, and leading with others.

Community members and young people working together around a table

Mentorship in action

Room to listen. Space to grow.

Training and conversation give young men space to connect with mentors, reflect together, and practice showing up for one another.

Our mission

We exist to guide Black and Brown young men ages 11–14 so they have positive male influences and become leaders who know who they are and take responsibility in their families, schools, and communities.

Our vision

We envision young men across Washington, D.C. knowing who they are, leading with integrity, and positively influencing their families, schools, and communities.

What we stand for

The F.I.G.H.T. values

Focus

Direct attention, energy, and decisions toward positive goals.

Integrity

Make principled decisions and take responsibility.

Grit

Persevere, learn from setbacks, and continue moving forward.

Health

Care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Tenacity

Pursue meaningful goals with determination and discipline.

Leadership and Board

The people guiding RUE.

RUE’s purpose starts with the young men. These are the adults responsible for keeping that purpose at the center.

Staff & program leadership

Phillip Ford

Founder & Executive Director

Phillip Ford is the founder and executive director of Reach Urban Empowerment. A martial artist, youth mentor, and amateur Muay Thai fighter, he works to give young people in Washington, D.C. access to structured training, consistent mentorship, emotional development, and opportunities to lead. His martial arts journey began in 2015 and includes Traditional Taekwondo, Combat Hapkido, and Muay Thai. Through RUE, Phillip brings physical training and leadership development together so young men can build discipline, handle pressure, strengthen their relationships, and contribute to their families, schools, and communities.

Book Phillip to Speak

Board of directors

Rob Seidel

Board President and Chief Instructor, The Movement Martial Arts

Jackie Ford

Board Member and Coach

Shirley Ford

Board Secretary and Administrator

Be part of the work

What happens around a young man matters.

Help build the relationships, spaces, and opportunities that let young men grow into their own leadership.

Get in touch