MADISON, Wis. — Saturday marked history in Wisconsin. The first statue commemorating a Black leader was unveiled on the Capitol grounds in Madison.

What You Need To Know

  • The first statue commemorating a Black leader was unveiled on the Capitol grounds in Madison on Saturday

  • Vel Phillips was the first Black woman elected secretary of state in Wisconsin, as well as the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison law school, become a member of the Milwaukee Common Council and become a judge in Wisconsin

  • The statue itself is one of only a few statues representing a Black woman at a state Capitol

  • The statue is located on the South Hamilton Street corner of the Capitol grounds

Vel Phillips was the first Black woman elected secretary of state in Wisconsin, as well as the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison law school, become a member of the Milwaukee Common Council and become a judge in Wisconsin.

Phillips’ statue wouldn’t have been possible without Ayomi Obuseh, who spoke out in 2020 when she felt that Black people weren’t celebrated enough as part of the state’s history.

“We started calling out leadership and we’re like, if you represent us, then you should be here with us and you should be listening to us,” Obuseh said.

One of those leaders is Michael Johnson, CEO and president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County. He got the ball rolling at the state Capitol.

Four years later, Vel Phillips was honored with a permanent symbol of her life and legacy.

“I still have tears because I’m watching Vel Phillips be introduced to the state again,” Obuseh said. “You know, her leadership is inspiring for me as a young person. It inspired our movement.”

Saturday’s unveiling left many others feeling inspired too.

“I think the sculpture is beautiful,” said Katrina Patton, an attendee. “It’s very nice to see the legacy, and it’s very motivational for other young Black girls to see that they can do it too.”

The ceremony celebrated Phillips’ groundbreaking achievements, including the fact that the statue itself is one of only a few statues representing a Black woman at a state Capitol.

Raven Blackburn, who also took in the display, said it’s a symbol of hope for the next generation.

“Representation truly matters in all aspects,” Blackburn said. “So, whether it’s the state Capitol, in our schools, in our workplace, to have Vel Phillips’ statue here at the Capitol will be truly inspiring for not only myself, but for [my] daughters as well.”

Obuseh said she hopes it inspires the thousands of kids who visit the state Capitol each year.

“We were very scared to talk to anyone about the frustration we felt,” she said. “Then, we saw people gathering and then we felt empowered, so you never know how small your voice is, but it can definitely change the nation.”

Related Stories