Representative Moore Omokunde- Special Observance Day for Vel Phillips
MADISON–Today, the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus came together to celebrate the life and legacy of The Honorable Vel Phillips and to introduce legislation adding February 18th, Vel R. Phillips’s birthday, to the list of special observance days for Wisconsin public schools. If passed, this bill would make Vel Phillips the first Black woman and third person born in Wisconsin to be honored by a special observance day in the state.
“If she were here today, she would dissuade us from using all of her ‘firsts’ to describe her legacy: the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School; the first woman and first African American elected to the Milwaukee Common Council; the first Black judge in Wisconsin; and the first woman and African American elected to serve as secretary of state. But she is all of these ‘firsts’ and so much more: particularly revered for her determined advocacy for civil rights and fair housing.
“Far too few of us know about the legacy of Vel R. Phillips. Her life and work has impacted countless Wisconsinites, so much so that all Wisconsin students should know about and recognize her. As such, the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus are humbled and honored to introduce today’s legislation, a bill to create a Special Observance Day for Vel R. Phillips in Wisconsin schools.”
Representative Moore Omokunde represents the 17th Assembly District on the North and Northwest sides of Milwaukee.
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.
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