Alderwoman Milele Coggs helped rename part of 4th Street as Vel R. Phillips Avenue in honor of Milwaukee civil rights activist Vel Phillips.
Civil Rights leader Velvalea “Vel” Phillips spent years fighting for equal rights across Milwaukee, marching across many of its streets, so it only makes sense that a street would be renamed in her honor. Phillips received that distinction Tuesday, as a ceremony was held to rename part of 4th Street to Vel R. Phillips Avenue.
Phillips died in April at the age of 94, leaving behind a long list of firsts. She was the first woman to serve on the Milwaukee Common Council. She was the first woman to serve as a judge in Milwaukee County. She was the first black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin law school. She was also the first African American elected to a statewide office, as she served as the Secretary of State for Wisconsin.
Alderwoman Milele Coggs was influential in getting the street renamed. She was present at the ceremony, sharing stories of the impact Phillips had on her own life.
“Vel is definitely shining down on us today,” she said. “Although she is our home-grown jewel, the achievements she was able to make have been able to impact the nation and the world.”
Ald. Milele Coggs spoke at the ceremony about the impact Vel Phillips had on her personally.
Vel R. Phillips Avenue will run from St. Paul Ave. to Capitol Drive. Phillips wanted this street named after her because she went to school, church and was married on 4th Street. Her district also encompassed 4th Street when she served as alderwoman. However, one of the most important distinctions, is its close proximity to Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, as Vel R. Phillips Avenue now lies adjacent to the street named after one of Phillips’ closest friends in the fight for civil rights.
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Mayor Tom Barrett was also present at the ceremony, which was held next to America’s Black Holocaust Museum.
“In all the time I have been Mayor, this is without a doubt the most significant street renaming we have ever had,” said Mayor Barrett. “And it should be, because without a doubt she has been the most significant person who has been involved in our community.”
The Mayor joined local, state and national politicians at the renaming ceremony Tuesday morning, held across from America’s Black Holocaust Museum.
Kelvin Saleem of the Department of Public Works unveiled the sign atop the corner of Vel R. Phillips Ave. and W. North Ave.
“It felt beautiful,” he said. “She's a historical figure for the black community and it was a really great honor to do this. It means everything.”
The ceremony was part of the 6th annual Bronzeville Week. Following the ceremony, free trolley ride tours were given up and down the newly named street.
“As you drive up and down it, and as you bring your children down it, I would hope that these stories of Vel and her impact on this nation...would continue to be told in her honor,” said Coggs.
More than 100 Milwaukee citizens partook in the ceremony, which included trolley rides along the street following the unveiling.
