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About Ruth Ellis (1899-2000)

• Ruth Ellis lived in Detroit from 1938 until her death in 2000. She opened her home to the community on the weekends as a safe space from the 1940s through the 1960s, a time when African-American gay men and lesbians had few social venues.
• Ruth also personally assisted young people with money for college, books, and food. She unselfishly gave everything that she had to whomever needed it.
• In the 1970s, Ruth moved into senior housing. Through a chance meeting in a self-defense class, Ruth made a connection to a group of younger women who embraced Ruth’s courage and pioneering efforts in living a happy life amidst great adversities.