In 1922, Humphrey graduated from East High School and attended the University of Iowa to study physical education.
No Iowa schools would accept her due to her being African American, leading her to move to Chicago, Illinois with her daughter Barbara.
Walker taught Humphrey how to help the beauty of African American women, including techniques for hair.
A white woman was unhappy with how her hair was styled during Humphrey's final exam, but the examiners still certified her as a teacher.
[4] Humphrey was a sponsor of "Copper Colored Review" and the "Bronze Spotlight," along with other African American salon owners, to teach students how to style hair, do manicures, and other beauty techniques.