MADISON, Wis., — Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday that the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board (SCERB) has granted final approval for the installation of a sculpture honoring the life and legacy of Vel R. Phillips.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday that the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board (SCERB) has granted final approval for the installation of a sculpture honoring the life and legacy of Vel R. Phillips

  • The sculpture will make the Vel Phillips the first person of color to be honored on the Wisconsin State Capitol Grounds

  • The sculpture, commissioned by artist Radcliffe Bailey, will be unveiled in June 2024 on the Wisconsin State Capitol grounds

  • Vel Phillips was the first Black American and woman elected to statewide office in Wisconsin, serving as the 29th Secretary of State

  • She was also the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School, the first Black person and woman elected to the Milwaukee Common Council and the first Black judge in Wisconsin

The sculpture will make the Vel Phillips the first person of color to be honored on the Wisconsin State Capitol Grounds.

The sculpture, commissioned by artist Radcliffe Bailey, will be unveiled in June 2024 on the Wisconsin State Capitol grounds.

Vel Phillips was the first Black American and woman elected to statewide office in Wisconsin, serving as the 29th Secretary of State. She was also the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School, the first Black person and woman elected to the Milwaukee Common Council and the first Black judge in Wisconsin.

“Vel Phillips was a true treasure and Wisconsin icon who became the first of many before her, inspiring generations and defining the trajectory of our state. It is so important to me and to the countless Wisconsinites for whom she paved the way that she receives permanent recognition at the Wisconsin State Capitol,” said Gov. Evers in a press release. “The People’s House should be a reflection of the Wisconsinites we serve, and no one is more deserving than Vel Phillips. Future generations of kids will be able to look up at Vel and see a leader who looks like they do — an everlasting example of her historic legacy. I’m grateful to SCERB, the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Mike Phillips, and so many others for their partnership in making this a reality.”

The initiative to install the sculpture began more than four years ago.

“This sculpture is more than a monument to my mother’s legacy; it is a beacon of hope and a call to action,” said Vel Phillips’ son, attorney Mike Phillips, in a press release. “It serves as a potent reminder that we all can shatter barriers and champion the values she lived by. We are beyond thrilled and grateful to Gov. Evers, SCERB, and our many volunteers and supporters for getting us to this pivotal moment.”

This year also marks what would have been Vel Phillips’ 100th birthday.

The Vel Phillips Legacy Initiative raised over $500,000 to commission and donate the sculpture to the State of Wisconsin.

“We are proud to see this day come to fruition. Vel Phillips’ legacy is a testament to the power of resilience and dedication,” expressed Michael Johnson in a press release.

Johnson is the president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. He also started the Vel Phillips Legacy Initiative.

“Through this sculpture, future generations will learn about and be inspired by her indomitable spirit and contributions to our society. We should thank our community, especially the youth, for bringing the issue of lack of representation to our attention,” Johnson added. 

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