Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award and Girls’ Day Scholarship honors bestowed

During Tuesday’s (March 22) 12^th annual Girls’ Day @ City Hall event, Elizabeth M. Coggs received the 2021 Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award for her service to the community, and Victoria Tatum received the Girls’ Day Scholarship Award.

Made by the city Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award Selection Committee and bestowed by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, the award recognizes selfless service and work to improve the quality of life for residents in Milwaukee.

Elizabeth M. Coggs is a former Democratic member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing District 10 from 2011 to 2013. She served as the 10th District Milwaukee County Supervisor from 1988 up until her election in 2010. She served as second Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors from 1996-2000, and was the first African American (and person of color) and first female to be elected by her fellow board members to that position.

During her terms of elected service, Ms. Coggs broke down barriers to push to develop the Black Caucus that was instrumental in highlighting the works of African-American residents in Milwaukee County. She was also a strong advocate for the Milwaukee County Parks and fought for better health care for people of color in Milwaukee County

“Elizabeth Coggs has been hosting The Back to School Festival for years, ensuring that young people start the school year off with the resources that they need, especially backpacks and supplies,” Alderwoman Coggs said.

“Elizabeth Coggs has also been and continues to be a champion for women and girls, dedicating 25 years of service to the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin (southeastern region) and playing a major role in establishing urban Girl Scout troops to support young African-American girls living in lower income areas,” she said. “Through her work she has exemplified the spirit of Vel Phillips and her engagement and leadership in the community has helped improve the overall quality of life in the city.”

Victoria Tatum is a senior at Brookfield Academy, and for the past 17 years has lived in Milwaukee’s 10th Aldermanic District. From kindergarten to 8th grade she attended Bruce Guadalupe School in the 12th Aldermanic District.

Victoria has been attending Girls’ Day @ City Hall since she was in the third grade (as well as Girls’ Shadow Day). She has volunteered feeding the homeless, at Thanksgiving food drives, cemetery cleanups, neighborhood cleanups, and Brides Walk Against Domestic Violence. Victoria has been accepted to Sarah Lawrence College, Marquette University, the University of Chicago, UW-Madison, and Baylor with pending responses from Georgetown University, Spelman College, and Cornell University. Victoria still has not decided which university she will attend, but her top choice is University of Chicago. Victoria wants to pursue a major in political science and looks forward to a career in politics.

“Victoria has grown to be a high-achieving and well-rounded young woman who is destined for future success, and it was my honor to present her with the Girls’ Day Scholarship Award during Women’s History Week in Milwaukee and as part of Girls’ Day @ City Hall,” Alderwoman Coggs said.

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.