Vel Phillips’ life was a series of firsts. She was the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison law school, the first to win a seat on Milwaukee’s City Council, the first to become Secretary of State of Wisconsin, and the first to become a judge in Wisconsin. More impressive, Vel did it all at a time when many African Americans were not allowed to exercise their civil rights.

Check out this video by the Wisconsin Historical Society to hear more about the fascinating life of Vel Phillips.

Click here to explore items from the Society’s historical collections related to her story.