A statue honoring civil rights leader Vel Phillips will be erected on the Capitol grounds in Madison, Wisconsin this summer. Phillips, a groundbreaker in multiple arenas, notably became Wisconsin's first Black woman to graduate from UW-Madison Law School in 1951. Her historic journey continued as she became the first African American to serve on the Milwaukee City Council and later ascended to become the state's inaugural female and non-white secretary of state in 1978.
Governor Tony Evers emphasized Phillips' significance, stating, "The People's House should reflect the Wisconsinites we serve, and no one embodies this more than Vel Phillips." He highlighted the lasting impact of her leadership, envisioning future generations finding inspiration in her example.
The State Capitol and Executive Residence Board, responsible for Capitol adornments, unanimously greenlit the statue's placement at the South Hamilton Street entrance near the Dane County Courthouse. Members of the Vel Phillips Legacy Initiative said the statue could be installed before the end of June.
The initiative, spearheaded by Michael Johnson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, gained momentum in 2020 following the nationwide Black Lives Matter movement. Johnson's vision received widespread support, culminating in the initiative raising over $500,000 for the statue's creation.
“We are thrilled to see this day come to fruition. Vel Phillips’ legacy is a testament to the power of resilience and dedication. Through this sculpture, future generations will learn about and be inspired by her indomitable spirit and contributions to our society,” expressed Johnson. “We should thank our community, especially the youth, for bringing the issue of lack of representation to our attention.”
The sculpture, funded by the initiative and adorned atop a polished black granite base etched with Phillips' achievements, will prominently feature her likeness. It will feature a quote from Phillips: ‘What have you done, today, that’s good?’
Upon completion, the Phillips statue will join other iconic figures on the Capitol grounds, including the "Forward" and Col. Hans Christian Heg statues. A memorial to fallen law enforcement officers occupies the fourth corner of the Capitol grounds.
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