Ruth Ellis (activist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruth Ellis
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Ellis in 1951
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Ruth Charlotte Ellis
July 23, 1899 Springfield, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | October 5, 2000 (aged 101) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
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| Education | Springfield High School |
| Occupation | Printer LGBT activist |
| Years active | 1937–2000 |
Ruth Charlotte Ellis (born July 23, 1899 – died October 5, 2000) was an African-American woman. She became well-known as the oldest person to openly support equal rights for all people, especially those in the LGBT community. She was an important activist until she was 101 years old. Her life was celebrated in a movie called Living With Pride: Ruth C. Ellis @ 100.
Contents
Ruth Ellis: A Life of Activism
Early Life and Education
Ruth Ellis was born in Springfield, Illinois, on July 23, 1899. She was the youngest of four children and the only girl in her family. Her parents were born during the last years of slavery in Tennessee. Ruth's mother, Carrie Farro Ellis, passed away when Ruth was a teenager. Her father, Charles Ellis Sr., was the first African American mail carrier in Illinois. He was born into slavery.
Around 1915, Ruth understood her identity. She said her family was very accepting of her. She finished high school at Springfield High School in 1919. At that time, very few African Americans graduated from high school. In the 1920s, she met Ceciline "Babe" Franklin. Babe was the only woman Ruth ever lived with. They moved to Detroit, Michigan, together in 1937.
Starting Her Own Business
Ruth first worked for a printing company in Springfield. She heard that she could earn more money elsewhere. This promise of better pay encouraged Ruth to move to Detroit in 1937. There, she took care of a young boy in Highland Park. She earned only $7.00 a week, which is about $125 today.
However, Ruth soon used her skills with printing presses. She had learned these skills in Springfield. She got a job with Waterfield and Heath. She worked there until she opened her own printing business. This business was run from the West Side home she shared with Babe. Her company, the Ellis & Franklin Printing Co., was the first printing shop in Michigan owned by a woman.
A Welcoming Home
Ruth had many hobbies. She loved dancing, bowling, painting, playing the piano, and photography. Ruth and Babe's house was also famous in the African American community. It was known as a central place for parties and gatherings. It also offered a safe place for African American people who were different or needed help. Ruth would often help others by providing books, food, or money for college.
Throughout her life, Ruth was a strong supporter of equal rights. She fought for the rights of all people, including African Americans and those in the LGBT community. After her 70th birthday, she became a regular guest at the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival. This was because she was so well-known in the community.
On her 100th birthday in 1999, Ruth led the San Francisco’s Dyke March. People there sang "Happy Birthday to You" to her. Ruth and Babe eventually separated, but they had been together for over 30 years. Babe passed away in 1973 from a heart attack.
Later Years and Legacy
Ruth was in the hospital for two weeks because of heart problems. But she wanted to spend her last days at home. Ruth passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 5, 2000. Her ashes were spread at the next Womyn's festival. Some were also spread in the Atlantic Ocean near Ghana.
The Ruth Ellis Center
The Ruth Ellis Center honors Ruth Ellis's life and work. It is one of only four organizations in the United States that helps homeless LGBT youth and young adults. They offer many services. These include a drop-in center, housing programs, and a health center. This center provides medical and mental health care.
Awards and Recognition
Ruth's age did not stop her accomplishments. As her 100th birthday got closer, many major LGBT publications across the country recognized her. This happened just as her documentary movie, "Living With Pride: Ruth Ellis @ 100," was released. The film won several top awards at different film festivals. In 2009, she was added to the Michigan Hall of Fame. In 2013, she was honored at the Legacy Walk. This is an outdoor display that celebrates LGBT history and people.
Ruth was also the oldest person to contribute to a book called Piece of My Heart: A Lesbian of Colour Anthology. Poet and activist Terri L. Jewell interviewed her around 1989 or 1990.
Images for kids
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Ellis in 1951
See also
In Spanish: Ruth Ellis para niños
