When Helen Miller was asked why she never joined her family in the water, she found herself contemplating the reasons she didn’t swim.
When Helen Miller was asked why she never joined her family in the water, she found herself contemplating the reasons she didn’t swim.
Although Helen’s parents were part of the Great Migration of Black families to the North to escape racism and poverty, they did not have access to public or private pools or beaches. She considered that her parents’ and her inability to swim was related to something bigger: the history of Black Americans.
Helen Miller’s story reflects her life’s journey against the backdrop of that history and the Civil Rights Movement. Despite the prevalence of racism in the United States, the love and support she received growing up instilled in her a vision of possibilities. Helen accomplished much in her lifetime, including the achievement of three degrees, practicing law, and serving sixteen years in the Iowa House of Representatives.
Helen’s story describes not only what she’s lived through and witnessed, but what she sees for the future: hope. As she tells her grandchildren, “Do your best because things have changed. You, too, can become president of the United States or anything else you want to be.”
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Reviews
“As a black woman, lawyer and legislator in rural Iowa, Helen Miller’s memoir provides a special insight into navigating the tumultuous times of the 1960’s and 70’s and then witnessing the inauguration of Barack Obama forty years later. With clarity and directness, Helen shares her life story in this very readable and remarkable book.”
—Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, President Iowa State University
“A warm story of Helen Miller’s life, played out against the backdrop of the nation’s civil rights struggles and of how a Black girl from Newark, winds up as ranking member of the Iowa House Agriculture Committee.”
—David Yepsen, Former Chief political reporter for the Des Moines Register
“This memoir is one of millions of stories, but a very special and important story that in spite of institutionalized racism in America, it created a people with great fortitude and brilliance like Helen Pitts Miller!”
—Henrietta Parker, High school/college classmate and documentary producer
“As I read this book of reminiscences of the everyday challenges and historic events that shaped her life in a meaningful way and catalyzed her successes in the back of my mind I say, “Bravo! And she doesn’t even swim.”
—Quinta Martin. Friend, Executive Management and Leadership Development
“Not swimming is one of the only things that Helen Miller hasn’t done. And even THAT is meaningful in the life of one of Iowa’s most effective state legislators. Her memoir is a beautiful freedom story.”
—Chuck Offenberger, former Des Moines Register Iowa Boy columnist
“I Don’t Swim provides a front-row perspective on pivotal moments in Black history, seamlessly interwoven with the extraordinary life story of Helen Miller. Her compelling narrative captures the essence of the Black experience in America, from the legacy of slavery and the Great Migration to the Civil Rights Movement and the historic election of President Barack Obama. Miller’s journey is a powerful exploration of identity, love, family legacy, politics, and the progress of Black America, culminating in a resounding message of hope for future generations. Helen Miller’s story leaves me deeply inspired and profoundly encouraged- it’s a must-read for all generations.”
—Raumesh A. Akbari, Esq., Tennessee State Senator for Memphis and Shelby County
Senate District 29
“Helen Miller has seen the world through many lenses: As the first member of her Black New Jersey family to go to college and as the first minority member of the Iowa House of Representatives to serve on the critical House Agricultural Committee. As the 16-year-old who had never experienced racism coming face to face with it after a planned experiment with a white friend over a job application: “I had been lied to because I was Black.” As an idealist reading about the sins of the “Black Bourgeoisie” for a college class and later as a member of that bourgeois class — a lawyer living in the D.C. suburbs married to a doctor — and defending young Black drug offenders.
Before reading I Don’t Swim, it’s hard to imagine how Miller’s memoir, which chronicles her lessons on such painful events as slavery, segregation, police brutality and the war on drugs, can be an uplifting testament to hope and possibilities. As one who also took part in ‘60s and ‘70s civil rights protests, I understand the lasting sense of purpose, pride and possibilities that era instilled in those of us on the “outside.” But Miller manages to retain her sense of optimism and keep forging ahead even in the face of pushback after every move forward. She continues to revel in the landmark changes she witnesses and the contributions and successes of her people. She keeps finding ways to make a meaningfiul difference.
Her spirit, her sense of wonderment and her groundedness amid the setbacks define this book, and Helen Miller herself.”
—Rekha Basu, reporter, editorial writer, columnist
“I Don’t Swim is a remarkable memoir that seamlessly blends Helen Miller’s personal journey with the sweeping tides of history. With deep emotion and profound insight, Miller invites readers to walk alongside her through the defining moments of the fight for equality and justice. From the courage and sacrifice of the Little Rock Nine to the transformative energy of the Civil Rights Movement, and from her family’s migration story to her role in shaping Barack Obama’s historic path to the presidency, Miller’s reflections evoke a deep sense of gratitude, reverence, and hope.
Through her vivid storytelling, Miller captures the humanity behind the history—the determination of her parents to build a better life in the North, the awe of witnessing young Freedom Riders risk everything for justice, and the profound honor she felt as she stood among millions in Washington, D.C., celebrating the election of the first Black president. Her journey is not just a chronicle of events but a testament to the emotional weight carried by those who dared to dream of a better future.
At its heart, I Don’t Swim is about the threads that connect us to those who came before us and those who will come after. It’s about the responsibility we carry to honor their struggles, their courage, and their triumphs. Miller’s story reminds us that history is not distant or abstract—it is deeply personal, woven into our lives in ways we may not even realize.
This memoir is a love letter to the power of resilience, a tribute to the sacrifices of generations, and a stirring call to continue the work of justice. For anyone who has ever felt the weight of history and the hope of possibility, “I DON’T SWIM” is an unforgettable and essential read.*
—Julie Gammack, founder Iowa Writer’s Collaborative
“Helen Miller has led a remarkable life. Her memoir shares the history of civil rights in the US through the lens of a woman who both witnessed and lived it: as a young girl in New Jersey, through her years at Howard University, as a military wife and lawyer, and eventually as Representative Miller, representing a rural district in Iowa 16 years. In I Don’t Swim Miller tells her story, offers a unique perspective and brings a keen voice to issues around race in the US.”
—Myrna Johnson, Executive Director of Iowa Public Radio
About the Author
Helen Miller is a retired lawyer and state legislator. She was born in Newark, New Jersey, and earned a bachelor of arts degree from Howard University, a master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University, and a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center.
She served as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives for sixteen years and was the first minority to serve on the House Agriculture Committee. Additionally, Miller chaired the Iowa Board of Parole from July 2019 to July 2021.
Miller shares the events of her life in the context of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, during the times when Blacks were finding and projecting their voices onto the tapestry that was and is America.
About the Author
Helen Miller is a retired lawyer and state legislator. She was born in Newark, New Jersey, and earned a bachelor of arts degree from Howard University, a master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University, and a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center.
She served as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives for sixteen years and was the first minority to serve on the House Agriculture Committee. Additionally, Miller chaired the Iowa Board of Parole from July 2019 to July 2021.
Miller shares the events of her life in the context of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, during the times when Blacks were finding and projecting their voices onto the tapestry that was and is America.