William Monroe Trotter (April 7, 1872 - April 7, 1934) was born in Ohio and raised in Boston. He was valedictorian of his all-white high school, a magna cum laude Harvard graduate, and the founder of The Guardian newspaper. He was an independent thinker, a social justice advocate, and an outspoken activist.
A full biography can be viewed here.
Recommended Publications and Media:
Black Radical: The Life and Times of William Monroe Trotter
Birth of A Movement: The Battle Against America’s First Blockbuster
Founded in 1971 on 1020 South University as Trotter House through the efforts of BAM (Black Action Movement), we moved to 1443 Washtenaw Avenue after a fire, expanded our focus, and through the efforts of #BBUM, reopened in a new location on 428 South State Street in 2019.
Trotter Multicultural Center, at present, has 7 professional staff and about 30 student staff positions. All positions are filled as needed and openings are posted on U-M Careers for professional staff positions, the U-M Student Employment Website for student staff positions, and on our social media accounts when we are actively seeking candidates.
We are so excited that you are interested in connecting with us! We are on Facebook, X and Instagram (@UMTrotterMC) and we have a newsletter that provides information on upcoming TMC events, Center news, offerings for student organizations and events hosted by our partners.
Please consider making a contribution to the William Trotter Multicultural Center, to continue our efforts in creating an equitable and inclusive environment for the U of M community.
Fall Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - Midnight
Saturday - Sunday
10:00 AM - Midnight
We are located at 428 South State Street Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.
Trotter Multicultural Center is open for public use, with some spaces available for quiet study and reflection. Specific places inside the center can be reserved for events, for U-M Student Organizations and Campus Units, and Non-University Affiliates. We ask that all applicants take time to review our Mission and Vision, Core Values, and the Facilities Use Policy before submitting an application.
Yes, Trotter Multicultural Center has a lactation room available on the second floor during our open building hours. The lactation room includes a changing table, a sink, a microwave, and a chair for your needs.
Please check the University of Michigan Human Resources for the full list of Lactation Rooms in Ann Arbor / Michigan Medicine. There are also locations on the Dearborn (University Center) and Flint (William S. White Building, University Center) campuses.
Trotter Multicultural Center has dedicated spaces for meditation/prayer/quiet reflection on the first floor in the quiet zone of the building, as well as a footbath, available during our open building hours.
The lockers available at Trotter Multicultural Center are for U-M Student Organizations only during the Fall/Winter Semesters.
Applications are posted during the Winter Semester on Maize Pages. This is only accessible during the period that applications are accepted. All applications are reviewed and offers are made to organizations based on varying factors including but not limited to size preference, level of need, and alignment with Trotter’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
All occupants of lockers are encouraged to review our Student Organization Locker Policy and keep their information on Maize Pages up to date. If you have questions about lockers, please contact [email protected].
For Winter 2024, we have Trotter Distinguished Leadership Series; F.A.M. Fridays; How to Flourish; and CommuniTEA as our main program offerings. We are diligently working to revamp other program offerings based on students' needs and wants. Look out for information about new programs that we will be offering in the coming semesters. Please check our website, Sessions@Michigan, and our social media (Facebook, X, Instagram - @UMTrotterMC) for more details!
All programs, virtual and in person, held at Trotter Multicultural Center are posted on Sessions @ Michigan for registration, with details. Programs that are open to the public will also be on Sessions @ Michigan for registration.
All attendees of programs are encouraged to review the Trotter Facilities Use Policy prior to visiting the space.
All reservations for space at Trotter Multicultural Center are made by request only.
Applicants must complete both an EMS System Reservation and the TMC Mission Alignment form.
Trotter Professional Staff partners with Conference and Event Services to review all requests before they are confirmed as bookings.
We ask that all applicants take time to review our Mission and Vision, Core Values, and the Facilities Use Policy before submitting an application.
If you would like to have a tour of Trotter Multicultural Center, please feel free to email us at [email protected].