Council passes resolution in support of the erection of Vel Phillips statue in Madison
At today’s meeting of the Common Council (Tuesday, January 19), the Council unanimously sponsored and passed file #201287 – a resolution expressing the City of Milwaukee’s support for the erection of a statue in honor of Ald. Vel R. Phillips at the Wisconsin State Capitol. The file was introduced by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs.
The resolution urges Governor Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature to support the erection of a statue after Governor Evers created an advisory committee in December to work on the statue proposal. Vel Phillips has a rich history in Milwaukee and Wisconsin as she was the first African-American woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Additionally, she was the first African-American woman elected to the Milwaukee Common Council; to serve as a judge in Wisconsin; and to be elected to statewide office. She was a longtime advocate for civil rights, fair housing and women’s equality during her career. The sculpture would be the first at the Capitol to honor a person of color.
“The legacy of Vel Phillips has shaped our community’s history, and it is time to make this tribute to such a large figure in our city and state,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “While erecting this statue might seem like a small gesture, I firmly believe it would serve as a symbol of hope, courage, dedication, and healing to the people of Wisconsin, something that is greatly needed at this time.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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