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This fall, Georgian Court University’s annual Blue & Gold Invited Talk will feature Kenneth Bourne, a licensed social worker, professor, and nationally recognized advocate for Black male mental health. On Tuesday, October 29, at 3:30 p.m. in the Casino, Bourne will present his keynote, “Beyond the Surface: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Mental Health.”
The talk is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community to deepen their understanding of mental health through Bourne’s unique interdisciplinary perspective. Click here to register for the event.
Bourne’s expertise stems from his personal and professional journey as the first in his family to attend college and the founder of Bourne Anew, a social impact-driven platform dedicated to the empowerment of Black boys and men. He is also the author of Anger Management for Black Male Teens: A Practical Guide on How to Help Your Teen Manage Their Emotions, which has become a vital resource for parents and educators.
Throughout his career, Bourne has presented his culturally relevant, antiracist, and healing-centered framework for Black males at institutions nationwide, including colleges, universities, and community organizations. His interdisciplinary approach to mental health emphasizes the need for evidence-based, trauma-informed strategies tailored to the specific needs of Black boys and men.
In addition to his work as a licensed social worker in Philadelphia, Bourne is a professor at Widener University’s Center for Social Work Education, where he continues to shape the next generation of social workers. He holds a B.A. in Anthropology/Sociology from Denison University and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University, with specialized training in violence against women and children.
Bourne’s keynote is part of Georgian Court’s Blue & Gold Invited Talk series, an annual event that brings leading experts to the campus to address topics of broad societal importance. Last year’s fellow was Dr. Seema Yasmin, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, medical doctor, and author of What the Fact? Finding the Truth in All the Noise.
This year’s talk is expected to inspire meaningful conversations about mental health, race, and healing—topics that resonate deeply with the Georgian Court community. Don’t miss the chance to hear Kenneth Bourne’s powerful insights on October 29. Click here to learn more or register.
