description | dcterms:description | Albert Lee was the "Chief Clerk of the President's Office (1920-42) (at the University of Illinois), defacto dean of African-American students for the University, and (a) prominent leader within the East-Central Illinois African American Community". During the Great Depression, economic troubles plagued many lower to middle class families in the Champaign-Urbana area, affecting students coming to the University no less. Charismatic among his peers and said to have had a great sense of humor, African American students would come to him for help. According to many, he was always there to give it. |