House, Sojourner Truth Cooperative House, 1507 Washtenaw Ave, August 16, 2024

History of the Inter-Cooperative Council of Ann Arbor

Sojourner Truth Cooperative House

https://umsi580.lsait.lsa.umich.edu/s/student-cooperative-movement-in-aa/page/truth-house

“Truth House, located on 1507 Washtenaw, was purchased by the ICC from a sorority in 1970. Originally it was named Bruce House, after comedian Lenny Bruce, until it was renamed Truth House in honor of Sojourner Truth. It is the largest cooperative on Central Campus, with a max member capacity of 53. It is known for its high quotient of international students.

Sojourner Truth as an activist for women’s rights and was one of the first well known abolitionists. She was born a slave, but escaped from slavery as a young woman. Born Isabella Baumfree, she renamed herself to ‘Sojourner Truth’ and began to travel the country to work against injustice. The name Sojourner Truth translates as itinerant preacher. She is one of the most widely known African American women of the 19th century and was a pivotal figure in the fight for abolition.”