We are heartbroken to share that our founding executive director Ruth Zweifler passed away on Jan. 12, 2025, at the age of 95.
In 1974, Ruth and a multi-racial grassroots group of community members founded Student Advocacy Center, beginning more formal activities in 1975. Several members of the Ann Arbor NAACP, Ann Arbor mayor Albert Wheeler and his wife, Emma Wheeler, Willie J. Simpson and Dorothy Simpson, Ruth and many others were deeply concerned about how Black students were being treated in their largely white schools.
Ruth’s vision of radical love for all children remains SAC’s North star. For a tiny glimpse into her wisdom, watch this short interview with her a few years ago.
Ruth was one of a kind — a justice fighter full of heart who was enormously persuasive, building a movement of folks who understand how misguided school exclusion is. She was ahead of her time in every way, even at the end.
She remains with us in everything we do and how we do it here at SAC. We won’t forget.
We are proud to carry on her legacy and vision and grateful for all of the people who have joined with us.
Education is a right. We won’t give up the fight.