Black History Month Profile: Dee Adekugbe 

The relentless pursuit of a safer, supportive community 

February 26, 2024

In the heart of Calgary’s African community, Dee Adekugbe stands as a beacon of empowerment and change. She leads the effort against domestic violence through her incredible organization Ruth’s House. Her journey is one of resilience, advocacy, and the relentless pursuit of a safer, supportive community.   

Dee’s commitment to addressing domestic violence is not only professional, it’s deeply personal. “I was a survivor,” she bravely shares, recounting her six-month stay in a domestic violence shelter. This experience helps shape the cornerstones of her passion and determination to make a difference.  

Dee is also a community leader and a pastor, filling many roles to connect with and serve her community effectively. With nearly two decades of dedicated involvement with Alberta’s African communities, Dee is naturally positioned to connect those in a family crisis to get the critical supports they need. Leveraging her position, she uses her influence to bring positive change.   

“Before establishing Ruth’s House, I would house people in my house and reach out to families and friends to be able to house people and support them financially. But I thought, you know what? I’m going to run out of friends pretty soon if I keep asking them, so why not just go deeper, dive in, and just start an official shelter and organization that more people can be a part of.”  

Black History Month is not just about commemorating the past; it’s a call to action for the present and future. Dee’s leadership is a living embodiment of resilience and empowerment, exemplifying the commitment to building a future free from domestic violence.