Political Quotes

“today I wish to honor Vel Phillips, who was born Velvalea Hortense Rodgers in 1923 in Milwaukee and passed away on April 17, 2018, at the age of 95. Vel was a civil rights leader and a pioneer in social justice and fair housing who left an indelible mark on the State of Wisconsin. Vel earned a national oratory scholarship from the Black Elks to attend Howard University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1946. She returned to her home State of Wisconsin to attend the University of Wisconsin--Madison Law School, becoming the first Black woman to graduate from the school, just one in a long series of significant firsts for Vel. Following law school, Vel made it her life's work to advocate for social justice and equal rights. She became actively involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, working for political, social, educational, and economic equality for people of color. Vel was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council in 1956, not only as the first African American, but also as the first woman. Her election sent shockwaves through the all-White, all-male council. Rather than welcoming her to her new position, her colleagues refused to share an office with her and suggested she join the aldermen's wives club instead of the council. A firm believer in polite persistence, Vel took her seat quietly but proudly.…”