Milwaukee civil rights leader Vel Phillips passes away

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Milwaukee civil rights leader Vel Phillips has died, according to Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm.

Phillips is known for being the first woman elected the Milwaukee Common Council and was later the first female judge in Milwaukee County. Phillips was also the first African American elected to the state office.

Chisholm expressed his condolences to the Phillips family on Twitter Tuesday night.

Saddened to learn that Vel Phillips, Wisconsin's first African-American judge and statewide official, passed away this evening. My deepest condolences to her family, including my colleague Assistant District Attorney Mike Phillips, who continues his mother's work for justice.

— John Chisholm (@DAJohnChisholm) April 18, 2018

On Wednesday, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett also tweeted about Phillip's life and legacy.

Vel Phillips was a relentless fighter for civil rights in Milwaukee. She marched for fair housing as a young adult and she dedicated her life to improving our city, both as an alderwoman and judge. Though she is no longer with us, we must continue the work she started. pic.twitter.com/1BlVomfR6H

— Mayor Tom Barrett (@MayorOfMKE) April 18, 2018