Milwaukee honors civil rights trailblazer Lucille Berrien at park bearing her name

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Family and community members gathered in Milwaukee to celebrate the life and legacy of Lucille Berrien, a longtime civil rights advocate remembered for her commitment to service and justice.

Berrien died in May at the age of 98.

Throughout her life, she worked to support Milwaukee's underserved communities, co-founding several organizations focused on civil rights, social justice and community service.

In 1972, Berrien became the first Black woman to run for mayor of Milwaukee.

She also fostered more than 90 children during her lifetime, a reflection of the care she extended to people throughout the community.

"We always had friends, even if we ain't know them," said her great-granddaughter, Magen Thomas. "She always had children around, taking care of somebody else's kids."

Her great-grandson, Richard Thomas, said Berrien also taught her family the importance of advocating for themselves and others.

"She just wanted to make sure that people knew that it's OK to speak up for yourselves," he said. "It's OK to stand up for what's right."

The celebration was held at Lucille Berrien Park, where a mural honors her life and work.

The mural was created by True Skool, a Milwaukee community organization that uses art to teach young people about leadership and social justice.