The Milwaukee County Board's Committee on Intergovernmental Relations has taken a significant step by unanimously advancing a resolution to honor the remarkable Velvalea 'Vel' Phillips. The proposal, initiated by Supervisor Sequanna Taylor, seeks to establish February 18 as Vel Phillips Day in Milwaukee County to commemorate the enduring impact of Phillips' commitment to civil rights and equity. According to a statement issued by Taylor and obtained by Milwaukee County's official announcement, the day will not only honor her legacy but also serve to "continue fighting for fairness, justice, and opportunity."
Phillips has been a trailblazer, achieving many firsts throughout her career. She was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and went on to become the first woman and African American elected to the Milwaukee Common Council. Her list of 'firsts' doesn't stop there; she continued to break down barriers by becoming the first female judge in Milwaukee County, the first Black judge in Wisconsin, and the first Black person to be elected statewide as Secretary of State. Her advocacy for racial equity and non-violent protest was embodied through initiatives like the Phillips Housing Ordinance in 1962, which aimed to directly tackle housing discrimination. "Her legacy deserves to be celebrated, honored and taught every year," Supervisor Taylor told Milwaukee County.
Milwaukee County has previously demonstrated its respect and admiration for Phillips through various dedications. The Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center, a greenspace named after her, and Vel R. Phillips Avenue, stretching from Bronzeville to downtown Milwaukee, are all testaments to her influence and community service. Vel Phillips Day, once officially recognized, will serve as an annual day of reflection and celebration on February 18, her birthday, further solidifying her transformative role in Milwaukee's history.
Phillips' continued activism later in her life, remaining active in community advocacy well into her 90s, has been a source of inspiration for generations. Her focus on fair housing, civil rights, and youth justice isn't just a collection of historical milestones; these are cornerstones for ongoing efforts in Milwaukee County to uphold the values she fought for. The Committee on Intergovernmental Relations' vote sends a clear signal: Milwaukee is committed to not only remembering but also to actively continue building upon her legacy. "This resolution is a small but powerful way Milwaukee County can uplift the work she started," said Supervisor Taylor in a statement to Milwaukee County.
