
21/02/2025
Honoring Dr. Ruby Gourdine: A Champion for Social Justice in Social Work
Dr. Ruby Morton Gourdine was a social worker, educator, and advocate whose deep commitment to social justice and systemic change shaped the fields of child welfare, education, and mental health services.
Throughout her career, Dr. Gourdine challenged racial inequalities in social services, advocated for Black children and families, and paved the way for equitable policies in child welfare, adoption, and education. Her groundbreaking work in special needs adoption, juvenile justice reform, and disability advocacy left a lasting impact on the profession.
As a practitioner, supervisor, administrator, and educator, she influenced countless social workers, ensuring that ethical integrity and advocacy remained at the core of the field.
Dr. Gourdine’s legacy continues to inspire social workers to stand for justice, challenge inequities, and create change within organizations and communities.