Dedication ceremony held to mark naming of Vel R. Phillips Ante Chamber

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Common Council held a special dedication ceremony Tuesday morning to mark the naming of the third-floor ante chamber space at City Hall in honor of the late Vel Phillips. 

In 1956, Phillips became the first woman and the first African-American to be elected as a member of the Common Council. 

She served until 1971 as an advocate for the African-American community and women and was instrumental in outlawing housing discrimination. 

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and other city officials took part in the ceremony. 

"I had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Phillips, of being inspired by her. You really couldn't help but be moved by her zeal, by her wit, by her courage," said Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton. "As a council, we are deeply honored to dedicate this space in her memory today."

Vel Phillips died in April 2018 at the age of 95.