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Content referencing Vel Phillips
Draft & Co. Opens Downtown
The long-awaited bar and grill is open for business at Vel R. Phillips Plaza.
Jan 16th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Wisconsin High Schools Seek to Offer More College Classes
But it often means teachers must go back to school for graduate degree.
Dec 2nd, 2025 by Miranda Dunlap and Natalie Yahr
LaMarr Franklin Lofts Open, With A Waiting List
High demand for affordable housing in Harambee.
Oct 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Pocket Park Will Be Renamed For Longtime Leader of Black-Owned Bank
Marketplace Triangle to get a new name.
Sep 19th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Alderperson Running For Secretary of State
Zamarripa is second to declare for open seat.
Sep 4th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
After Years of Controversy, Assembly Recognizes Black History Month
Once a routine practice, the Assembly has not passed the resolution since 2020.
Feb 20th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Bill Creates Observance Day in Schools for Civil Rights Pioneer Vel Phillips
There are currently 21 special observance days in Wisconsin public schools.
Feb 19th, 2025 by Evan Casey
Design Concepts Revealed For Downtown Sculpture Honoring Vel Phillips
Public will be able to sit in a bronze version of Phillips' desk, contemplate her legacy.
Oct 7th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
A Record Year For Honorary Street Names
Pastors, community leaders, mathematicians and former politicians are being recognized.
Aug 12th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Vel Phillips Plaza Opens To Great Fanfare
Downtown's new "front door" honors civil rights pioneer, trailblazer.
Jun 28th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Draft & Vessel Owner Plans Cafe at Vel R. Phillips Plaza
Entrepreneur Nat Davauer has big plans for key downtown space.
May 1st, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene and Sophie Bolich
See Inside Fiserv’s New Headquarters
Company is painting the town orange says CEO. Its headquarters is decorated with the Bucks' championship court.
Mar 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee County Honors Civil Rights Pioneer Vel Phillips
Barrier-shattering Phillips would have turned 100 on Sunday.
Feb 17th, 2024 by Evan Casey
Vel Phillips Day at the Milwaukee Art Museum
Plus: Disney on Ice and a home improvement show.
Feb 15th, 2024 by Michael Holloway
Plan Would Improve Red Arrow Park, Overhaul Two Downtown Streets
And use downtown property taxes to bail out Century City TIF district.
Jan 19th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
City Names Vendor For New Downtown Park
Nomad Coffee Bar will operate a 2,900-square-foot cafe at Vel R. Phillips Plaza.
Jan 3rd, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
UW President Jay Rothman Should Resign
If not, Gov. Evers should call for the Board of Regents to remove him.
Dec 12th, 2023 by Gary R. George
Punch Bowl Social Has Closed
Entertainment-focused bar and restaurant in Deer District had tumultuous run. The chain maintains 14 locations in U.S.
Oct 24th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
Vel R. Phillips Plaza Takes Shape
New downtown park aims to spur nearby development and create a sense of community.
Sep 15th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Vel Phillips Statute At State Capitol Will Break Barriers
Only 6% of public monuments portray women in history.
Apr 26th, 2023 by Royce Podeszwa
City Seeks Restaurant or Cafe For Downtown Park
Its plan for Vel R. Phillips Plaza is to create new gathering spot for Westown.
Apr 25th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
New Council Members Sworn In To Great Applause
Andrea Pratt, Lamont Westmoreland and Larresa Taylor join first full council in 17 months.
Apr 18th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Recommends $16 Million For New Downtown Park
To be called Vel R. Phillips Plaza. Plus $6 million for other projects.
Apr 12th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
New Design For Vel R. Phillips Plaza Revealed
Redevelopment Authority endorses $16.5 million financing plan.
Mar 16th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
City Has $16 Million Plan For Downtown Plaza
Vel R. Phillips Plaza would honor civil rights pioneer, anchor W. Wisconsin Ave. Will it serve streetcar?
Mar 10th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Warming Center Opening Following Extended Power Outages
County Executive David Crowley declares snow emergency.
Mar 10th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
BRT Grant Could Fund Downtown Plaza
New $2 million federal grant frees up funds for downtown upgrades along Bus Rapid Transit line.
Feb 28th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Can Everett Mitchell Win High Court Race?
Last in fundraising in state Supreme Court race, Dane County judge says grass roots support is key.
Feb 9th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Caucus Kicks Off Black History Month
'Black history is American history,' says a member of the Legislative Black Caucus.
Feb 2nd, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Council Approves Fiserv’s Suburb-to-City Move
Global company will fill former Boston Store, be joined by new downtown Kohl's.
Dec 13th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Okays Racine Detention for Youthful Offenders
Board will reconsider agreement it opposed in September to pay for Racine facility.
Dec 12th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Fiserv’s Move Downtown Is About Attracting ‘Young, Diverse’ Workers
Council committee endorses complicated subsidy for Brookfield company's relocation.
Dec 6th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Renames 5th Street After William Finlayson
To honor doctor, civil rights pioneer, a renamed street through Bronzeville, North Side.
Nov 23rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Complicated Fiserv Subsidy Earns First Approval
Complicated deal includes $7 million for financial company, $4.6 million for neighborhood improvements.
Nov 17th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
N. 5th St. Will Be Renamed for Dr. William Finlayson
Black OBGYN doctor was trailblazer in Milwaukee.
Nov 10th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
City’s Fiserv Subsidy Includes Vel Phillips Plaza Funding, Michigan Street Upgrades
Relocation job target is 780 jobs within four years. Includes rules around work from home policies, bonuses for city residents.
Nov 3rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
County Ready For New Youth Correction Facility
With state funding approved, county officials are ready to build facility.
Sep 7th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Honorary Street Name For Lena’s Food Co-Founder
City honoring late entrepreneur Bezelee Martin.
Apr 5th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
City Completes Renaming Old World Third To Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Milwaukee fixes a 1984 "injustice" by extending King Drive through Downtown.
Jan 17th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Warning Lights Flashing on Youth Justice?
Former county official warns that state's youth justice system is unsustainable, could lead to abuses.
Dec 15th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Lena Taylor Is Running For Lieutenant Governor
Veteran state senator would be first Black woman to hold the position.
Oct 4th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Mandela Barnes Enters Senate Race
Long-rumored run by Lt. Governor becomes official and targets Ron Johnson.
Jul 20th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Vel Phillips Statue For State Capitol?
Statue of civil rights icon gets preliminary approval by subcommittee overseeing Capitol grounds.
Jul 14th, 2021 by Christine Hatfield
Mark Born Offers a History Lesson
Republican representative and Joint Finance leader suggests small glass case of exhibits is quite enough Black history.
May 17th, 2021 by James Rowen
Council Makes Street Name Changes Easier
New rule requires four-fifths of council to approve. Cesar Chavez Dr. extension next?
Apr 1st, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
After Prison, What Next?
How to handle the formerly incarcerated. Milwaukee town hall tackles the issue.
Feb 25th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
The Education of Sherwin Hughes
Talk show host for 101.7 The Truth talks about growing up in Milwaukee.
Feb 20th, 2021 by Tom Jenz
Group Fundraising for Vel Phillips Statue
Statue would be erected at state Capitol, the first person of color so honored.
Feb 19th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Old World Third St. Will Be MLK Drive
Council unanimously approves naming entire street to honor civil rights leader.
Feb 9th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Key Players Back Renaming Old World Third to MLK Drive
Westown Association, Mayor, all 15 council members back proposal. But there are complications.
Jan 27th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Vel Phillips Capitol Statue Moves Forward
State committee advances plan to honor Milwaukee civil rights pioneer.
Jan 26th, 2021 by Laurel White
Council Proposing To Rename Old World Third Street To MLK Drive
Extending Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. would correct an "injustice."
Jan 22nd, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
How To Understand These Historic Protests
These resources will put the nationwide protests in a proper context.
Aug 13th, 2020 by Ana Martinez-Ortiz
BLACK WMNZ Emancipation March
March honors Black women, protests injustice.
Jun 20th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Protests Spur a Wave of Public Art
Murals and chalk art become a growing presence as marchers fill streets.
Jun 16th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Crowley Sworn In As County Exec
First elected African-American Milwaukee County Executive in history seeks more equity, more state funding.
May 4th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Five Women Make Council History
The Milwaukee Common Council now looks more like the city it represents.
Apr 21st, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
The Life of Father James Groppi
New documentary captures life and impact of Milwaukee civil rights crusader.
Feb 27th, 2020 by Chris Walker
Historical Society Showcasing Unseen Treasures
New exhibit highlights a wide variety of Milwaukee's history.
Jan 13th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Remembering Mildred Harpole
Beloved activist for education equity, equal rights, dies in her 80s.
Oct 31st, 2019 by Edgar Mendez
A Time Capsule of Milwaukee
Art Museum's “Portrait of Milwaukee” offers vignettes of the city’s history over an 80-year period.
Oct 15th, 2019 by Catherine Jozwik
The Mishaps of Mandela Barnes
The state’s first black lieutenant governor has a target on his back.
Aug 29th, 2019 by Eugene Kane
Museum’s Nares Show Grabs Audiences
And a new mural in Bronzeville honors Vel Phillips.
Aug 13th, 2019 by Catherine Jozwik
County Proposal Replaces Youth Prison
Tells state it can renovate county Juvenile Justice Center to house children now in state prisons.
Jul 18th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Marcoux Warns Not Acting Could Jeopardize Streetcar Extension
DCD officials tell council delaying project approval would cost $8.1 million annually.
Jun 24th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Juneteenth Day 2019
State and local leaders join community for Juneteenth Day celebration.
Jun 20th, 2019 by Jack Fennimore
Will Streetcar be Extended by the DNC?
Mayor, aldermen differ on whether rail extension can be completed for national convention.
Jun 18th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
End of the Line
RedLine gallery will close after its final exhibition, on display this month.
Jun 11th, 2019 by Catherine Jozwik
A Town Square for Downtown Milwaukee
City proposes Vel R. Phillips Plaza along W. Wisconsin Ave. with cafe and streetcar stop.
May 14th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Legislators Clash on Black History Month
Republicans remove Colin Kaepernick from resolution, Rep. Bowen cries foul.
Feb 13th, 2019 by Laurel White
American Family Plans Downtown Building
"Fairly large building" planned for Madison insurance company's Milwaukee office.
Jan 22nd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Spencer Tracy Lived on Logan Avenue
Future Hollywood star grew up on street created in 1880s, named after Civil War general.
Jan 14th, 2019 by Carl Baehr
Some Final Memories of Civil Rights Era
Community members share stories, make memes to remember civil rights history.
Dec 13th, 2018 by Analise Pruni
7 Numbers That Explain Election
The election results would have been completely different if not for this.
Nov 7th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Black History Museum Celebrates 30th Birthday
Local museum only one to collect, preserve Wisconsin’s African-American history.
Sep 29th, 2018 by Max Nawara
Bucks Honor Herb Kohl at Arena Opening
Senator Kohl owned team from 1985-2014, made sure NBA franchise stayed in Milwaukee.
Aug 26th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
All the Election Data You Want
It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.
Aug 15th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
4th Street Rededicated Vel R. Phillips Ave.
A who's who ceremony of politicians and candidates turns out to honor legacy of Vel Phillips.
Aug 7th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Rebuilding a Vibrant Bronzeville
Actor Danny Glover and many local notables celebrate new development anchored by Black Holocaust Museum.
Jun 18th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Vel Phillips’ Home Razed
The trailblazing alderwoman bought home from Mayor Maier, who often quarreled with her.
May 17th, 2018 by Michael Horne
City Creates Vel Phillips Ave., Plans Statue
N. 4th St. to become Vel R. Phillips Ave.; where will statue go?
May 8th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Does La Follette Believe in Democracy?
Secretary of State for 40 years, he calls his primary challenge "a nuisance.”
May 8th, 2018 by Chris Walker
Cannabis Marchers Demand Legalization
8th annual March for Cannabis draws 200 people and speeches from six candidates for governor.
May 7th, 2018 by Jack Fennimore
4th St. Will Become Vel. R. Phillips Ave.
Major downtown street to be renamed for Milwaukee leader and civil rights pioneer.
Apr 25th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
The Remarkable Life of Vel Phillips
"A giant in our state" dies at 94; city to honor political pioneer with annual award.
Apr 18th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Garden Honors African American Heroes
And “she-roes,” says creator of community garden near 27th and Burleigh.
Nov 30th, 2017 by Wil Disabatino
Common Council More Diverse Today, But…
Other cities have done better at embracing diversity.
Jul 28th, 2017 by Julie Grace
“We Fought Just As Hard”
The role of women in the Milwaukee’s open housing marches of the 1960s.
Jul 11th, 2017 by Naomi Waxman
Residential Segregation Still A Problem
Other than Brown Deer and Glendale, suburbs are overwhelmingly white.
Jun 27th, 2017 by Edgar Mendez
Risking Their Lives for Fair Housing
The courageous protests of Fr. Groppi and the NAACP Youth Council.
Jun 22nd, 2017 by Andrea Waxman
Lawyers Grill Supreme Court Candidates
And what a lively forum it was. Here is the truth about the candidates, so help us God.
Jan 28th, 2016 by Michael Horne
The House of Hank the Dog
The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.
Mar 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Vel Phillips’ Newport Co-op
The high-rise co-op has "sweeping" views of Lake Michigan and Shepherd publisher Lou Fortis as a fellow resident. What more could you ask for?
Mar 3rd, 2014 by Michael Horne
The Jewish Judge Who’s a Quarter Irish
Governor James E. Doyle told about 75 people at Mo’s Irish Pub last Friday that “there are a number of good things I can do as governor. … I get to appoint people to the bench. As a lawyer and the son of a judge, I take this seriously.” What does the governor look for in a judge? – He’s appointed about 6 of them so far –“I get a list of very – incredibly good people. I could pick them out of a hat. But I look for intelligence, fairness, and understanding of people. Also, frankly, some much needed diversity.” Doyle got diversity all right when he appointed Glenn Yamahiro as a Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge last year. Yamahiro, a former public defender, lawyer in private practice, and teacher of disturbed students, is also the first Asian-American to sit on the bar in Wisconsin. He is that, and more, the crowd, gathered for a fundraiser, was to learn. Yamahiro told the crowd that he was proud to be “the first [judicial] appointee by a democratic governor in almost 20 years.” Yamahiro is running for a full term against former Judge Robert Crawford, whose antics on the bench in the past cost him his seat to Judge Louis Butler, who was present, as were such other judges as Jean DiMotto, Ted Wedemeyer, Tom Donegan, Paul Wall and judge wannabees like Audrey Skwierawski. Attorneys including the venerable Dominic Frinzi and Mark Thomsen popped in for the gig. Yamahiro has already proven himself to be one of the more amusing speakers on the bench, and among politicians generally. “I told the governor at the time of my appointment that any opponent I would get would be buried at the election. “Now we have to come through on that promise,” he said, to the general assent of the assembled, not eager for a return of the goofy Crawford. Yamahiro rubbed it in: “If it was an election of the informed, we wouldn’t need this gathering,” he said. Do not think that Yamahiro tried to coast by solely on the merits of his wit and the novelty of his Asian background. “I am the first Asian-American judge in Wisconsin, but I did have a grandma in Iowa, born about 100 years ago. Her name was Morrissey. So I have 25 percent Irish blood, and I am happy to be in Mo’s Irish Pub with the Guinness flowing.” The crowd really liked this intercultural news, and I talked to Deja Vishny, a public defender with a really cool name – and yet another story. “I’m Glenn’s wife,” she said. The couple has one child, who attends a Jewish elementary school. “I’m Jewish,” she explained. “So is Glenn,” she added. Observations From the Governor On the Legislature You get the feeling from Governor Jim Doyle that the legislature is acting like a pesky housefly that he has to keep swatting at. The recent meetings of the august representatives of the people were characterized in this […]
Mar 8th, 2004 by Michael Horne
Clark Picks Up Two State Endorsements
Two of Wisconsin’s elder statespeople jumped on the Wesley Clark for President bandwagon recently. Former alderman, secretary of state and attorney Vel Phillips, who most recently issued the oath of office to Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt says she backs the Arkansas general for president. With her support, she joins such black leaders as Charles Rangel and Andrew Young. Phillips was at a fundraiser for Clark Tuesday, January 27th at the home of Julilly W. Kohler. Phillips said she had just got off the phone with Henry Aaron who has offered to send her airplane tickets and to put her up in Atlanta February 6th for his birthday party. “Oh, I’m not sure I’m going to go,” said Vel, to the dismay of partygoers who could not imagine turning down any invitation from Henry Aaron, with or without free air travel and lodging. She still hadn’t decided by Sunday. Vel Phillips faces many decisions. When she left the Common Council, she bought the old roll-top desk aldermen once used until the present gems were installed. The desk will probably go to the Historical Society of Wisconsin. Why not the city-owned Milwaukee Public Library? “Well, the historical society already has a full-size statue of me,” Phillips said. Good enough reason. The attendees, including Frank Gimbel (who has a huge Clark sign posted in his east side yard), Mort and Dani Gendelman, Curry First, Dennis Conta and about 40 others filled the Kohler residence to talk up their man and to dine on way too much food provided from such disparate sources as Sam’s Club and Watermark restaurant. A special guest of honor was to have been former Senator Gaylord Nelson, ranked fourth on a list of the most important Wisconsinites in history. He’s the only one of the top five who is still alive. Alas! Nelson hadn’t even made it as far as the end of the driveway of his Kensington, Maryland home in days, so he called in his visit by speakerphone. Heavy snowfall complicated by quaint Maryland snow removal traditions kept him home, Nelson said. He endorses Clark for president, the Earth Day founder told the attendees in Milwaukee. Nelson speaks very slowly these days. The delivery, although halting, does nothing to mute the intellectual vigor and wit of Nelson. Regarding his choice of the military man for president, the anti-Vietnam War ex-Senator said, “People were wondering how could Gaylord Nelson support a general for president?” (Pause.) “Well, George Washington was a general.” (Pause.) “And he was a pretty good president.” (Laughter.) Apparently, Nelson held republican president Dwight D. Eisenhower in high regard. He noted that General Ike warned us about the military-industrial complex. “This is a fascinating race,” Nelson said, (Pause.) But there is a long way to go.” The State of Wisconsin constitution, as amended, does not give the Lieutenant Governor much to do. This suited Scott McCallum fine, but Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton is a restless sort and has been an early supporter and campaign groupie of […]
Feb 2nd, 2004 by Michael Horne
Krug Scores Joint Finance Seat
Rep. Shirley Krug was chosen Monday to take a seat on the influential Joint Committee on Finance
Dec 4th, 2003 by Michael Horne
