Facilitating a Socially Just Campus Community
Student Life’s William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center promotes a campus and community where all students can prosper academically and socially and can develop a better understanding and appreciation for multicultural diversity at U-M. The Trotter Center hosts and sponsors many events, including those focusing on social identity connection, health and wellness, heritage and culture, and more.
A Brief History of Trotter
The TMC was originally created as Trotter House, a Black Student Cultural Center. African American students united under the Black Action Movement (BAM) to help students who experienced obstacles within their educational process. Trotter House was birthed out of this movement, founded at a rambling old house on the corner of South and East University Street, and named in honor of William Monroe Trotter (1872-1934).
Trotter House opened for operation on November 15, 1971, and offered workshops for art students led by African American artists; sociology and psychology classes; orientation meetings for incoming students; academic and career counseling; a chess clinic; parties and dances; and a heavily attended weekly luncheon.
The Trotter Multicultural Center was then established on Washtenaw Avenue in 1972 after the Trotter House was damaged by a fire.
The Trotter Multicultural Center continued to grow, and in 1981, expanded its focus to become a multicultural student center. Today, the Trotter Multicultural Center works to enhance multicultural awareness across campus and a place where U-M students, faculty, staff, and alumni can hold meetings and events.
The Trotter Multicultural Center opened at its new location on State Street on April 11, 2019.