Hidden Histories: UNCOVERING THE DIVERSE ROOTS OF SOCIAL WORK
Photo (right): Gertrude Brown with children at Phyllis Wheatley House, about 1924. Courtesy of the MNHS collections (Minnesota Historical Society and photograph by, Sweet).
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W. Gertrude Brown (1888 – 1939)
W.
Gertrude Brown, known as Willie G. Brown in her youth, was born in 1888 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was an advocate for racial justice for children and women and a major figure in the Settlement House movement of the early 20th century. Although little is known of Brown’s early childhood years, her education is thought to have an impact on her values and career. From 1906 to 1911 she was enrolled at Scotia Seminary in Concord, NC, a school founded by the Presbyterian Church to educate newly freed Black girls.2 After graduation from Scotia Seminary in 1911, Brown became a teacher in the Charlotte public school system for six years. She then entered the social work field as a friendly visitor with the Associated Charities, working there for two summers. In addition, she worked at the Traveler’s Aid desk for another year. Brown was dedicated to service in her hometown, founding the first hospital for Blacks in Charlotte and that city’s Sabbath School Association.3
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