Council adopts resolution supporting special observance day in honor of Vel R. Phillips

Today, (Tuesday, April 22) the Common Council adopted file #241813 – a resolution amending the City of Milwaukee’s State Legislative Package to express support for passage of 2025 AB125/SB135, legislation creating a special observance day in honor of Vel R. Phillips. The file was sponsored by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, and unanimously co-sponsored by the entire Common Council.

Vel R. Phillips was a trailblazer who accomplished many firsts, including being the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School, the first woman and the first African-American elected to the Milwaukee Common Council, the first Black judge in Wisconsin, and the first woman and the first African-American elected to serve as Secretary of State of Wisconsin.

“Vel R. Phillips was a mentor, role model, and inspiration for so many people, and having an observance day in her honor would mean the world to the countless people she has, and continues to influence,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “Locally, we have taken many steps to honor the legacy that Vel R. Phillips has left behind, and I hope that the Senate and Assembly in Madison follow suit by passing 2025 AB125/SB135 and adding to that legacy.”

The State legislation proposes to designate February 18, the birthday of Vel R. Phillips, a special observance day in Wisconsin schools.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.