Representative Shelia Stubbs Celebrates Vel Phillips’ 101st Birthday

MADISON, WI – On February 18, 2025, the 101st birthday of Former Wisconsin Secretary of State and civil rights legend Vel Phillips, the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus announced the introduction of LRB-6089, relating to: special observance days in schools (Vel Phillips), a resolution to recognize February 18 as a special observance day in Wisconsin schools. Representative Shelia Stubbs (D – Madison) released the following statement.

“It is my honor today to join the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus in recognizing the 101st birthday of Mother, Judge, Secretary of State, Attorney, Civil Rights Activist, and Friend Velvalea Phillips, known by many people as Vel. Mrs. Phillips was a true jewel for our state of Wisconsin. She was the first Black woman to graduate from UW Law School, the first woman to serve on the Milwaukee Common Council, the first Black judge in the state of Wisconsin, and the first African American and first woman to be elected our Secretary of State.

It was my privilege to serve as the only State Legislator on the Vel Phillips Statue Task Force, where my responsibility was to request bipartisan support from Speaker Robin Vos, Former State Representative Amy Loudenbeck, who was the Chair of the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board until 2022, and current State Capitol and Executive Residence Board Chair Representative Lisa Subeck. This past July, Mrs. Vel Phillips became the first African American woman to have her statue displayed on any State Capitol across the United States.

It is critical that we continue to recognize and celebrate Mrs. Phillips’ legacy and that we continue to teach the next generation about all that she contributed to Wisconsin throughout her remarkable life and career. She shattered every barrier that came before her and she fought with determination for fair housing, equity, and dignity for all people.

For generations to come, young Black girls who dream of changing the world will look up to her example and know that, for them, anything is possible. As Mrs. Phillips’ mother said to her as a young girl, ‘If you really want it, don’t dream small dreams, dream BIG dreams.’

LRB-6089 will ensure that Mrs. Vel Phillips will receive the honor and recognition she deserves every year in our Wisconsin schools. I am proud to be a co-author of this resolution, and I hope to see it achieve broad bipartisan support in our State Legislature.”

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.