In memory of legend Vel R. Phillips
"Her legacy and strength in the face of hatred and injustice stays with us now as we continue her march."
DPW Chair Martha Laning, Vel Phillips, Vice-Chair & Rep. David Bowen. Photo courtesy of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
MADISON — The following is a statement from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin‘s Chair Martha Laning on our loss of Wisconsin civil rights icon, former Secretary of State of Wisconsin, judge, open housing pioneer and trailblazer Vel Phillips.
“Wisconsin has lost a beloved, iconic, tenacious trailblazer whose leadership and career of firsts in our state opened doors through which so many African Americans, Democrats and women are proud to have followed. Her spirit is with all of us, in Wisconsin and the nation, as we proudly continue the fight she took to the streets–despite horrific abuse–for civil rights, equality and justice. Her legacy and strength in the face of hatred and injustice stays with us now as we continue her march.”
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.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
DVO’s Woes: Outbursts, Empty Bills, and Plummeting Poll Numbers
Oct 21st, 2025 by Democratic Party of WisconsinLast Friday, in the midst of the government shutdown, WI-03 Rep. Derrick Van introduced a bill to award Trump with the Congressional Gold Medal. On Monday, in a toss-up district, polling numbers came out revealing that only 36% of his constituents believe he is doing enough to end the shutdown.
