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History of the Inter-Cooperative Council of Ann Arbor

Truth House

Truth House, located on 1507 Washtinaw, 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 was an activist for women's rights and was one of the first well known abolitionists. She was born as 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.