Ruth Ellis died in 2000. She was a remarkable African-American lesbian activist whose life spanned a CENTURY of profound social change. Born in Springfield, Illinois, she lived openly as a lesbian from a young age, a rarity for her time.
In 1937, Ellis moved to Detroit with her partner, Ceciline “Babe” Franklin, and together they established Ellis & Franklin Printing Co., the first woman-owned printing shop in Michigan. Beyond her entrepreneurial spirit, Ellis’s home became a vital haven for Black gay and lesbian individuals, affectionately known as the “gay spot.”
It served as a social hub and a refuge, offering community and support when few other venues existed. Ellis was renowned for her generosity, providing financial assistance, food, and even college tuition to those in need, particularly young people. Her unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ and African-American rights continued throughout her life, earning her widespread recognition. Her legacy lives on through the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, an organization dedicated to supporting homeless LGBTQ+ youth, continuing her mission of providing safety and community.
