Providing Housing for African American Students

During the 1930’s and 1940’s the University of Iowa denied African American students access to the on campus university housing.  Helen was one of only three African American women in Iowa City who opened their home and provided housing for African American men attending the University of Iowa. The Black Women’s Club of Iowa provided housing for African American female students attending the University of Iowa.  African American male University of Iowa students were completely dependent on housing provided by private families. Helen’s home at 603 Capitol Street became a home away from home for African American students.   Helen and her husband Allyn provided housing for hundreds of African American students attending the University of Iowa.

She continued to provide housing for African American students even after the University of Iowa ended housing discrimination in 1946. After 1946 African American students were often discouraged from living in residence hall, but Helen Lemme always provided a welcome home to students in need of housing.