Lena O. Smith House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lena O. Smith House
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The Lena O. Smith House from the west-southwest
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3905 5th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001472 |
| Added to NRHP | September 26, 1991 |
The Lena O. Smith House is a special home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It belonged to Lena O. Smith, a very important civil rights lawyer. She was the first African-American woman to become a lawyer in Minneapolis. Her house is now a historic landmark. It helps us remember her amazing work for fairness and equality.
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Who Was Lena O. Smith?
Lena O. Smith was born in 1885 in Lawrence, Kansas. In 1906, her family moved to Minneapolis. She studied law at the Northwestern College of Law. She graduated in 1921 and opened her own law office. This made her the first African-American lawyer in Minneapolis.
Fighting for Rights
Lena O. Smith used her legal skills to help people. She fought for "equal protection under the law." This means everyone should be treated fairly by the law. She also worked for equal access to housing. This meant people of all races should be able to live where they choose. She also supported the right for workers to join labor unions. Unions are groups that help workers get fair pay and good working conditions.
A Leader in the Community
Lena O. Smith was not just a lawyer. She was also a strong activist. She helped start the Minneapolis Urban League. This group works to help African Americans achieve equality. From 1935 to 1939, she was the first woman president of the Minneapolis chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The NAACP is a famous organization that fights for civil rights.
The Lena O. Smith House Today
Lena O. Smith's house is more than just a building. It is a symbol of her important work. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place recognized by the United States government. It is also a local landmark in Minneapolis. This honors Lena O. Smith's contributions to the African-American community. The house reminds us of her fight for justice and equality for everyone.
