Open Daily: 10am - 10pm | Alley door pickup 10am - 7pm 3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
612-822-4611

  • Open Daily: 10am - 10pm
    Alley-side Pickup: 10am - 7pm

    3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
    612-822-4611

Open Daily: 10am - 10pm | Alley-side Pickup: 10am - 7pm
3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
612-822-4611
Valiant Vel: Vel Phillips and the Fight for Fairness and Equality

Valiant Vel: Vel Phillips and the Fight for Fairness and Equality

Hayslett, Jerrianne
Boyd, Aaron

Paperback

BiographyGeneral Juvenile Nonfiction

Publisher Price: $20.00

ISBN10: 197660043X
ISBN13: 9781976600432
Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press
Published: Feb 18 2025
Pages: 144
Weight: 0.90
Height: 0.40 Width: 7.90 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2025

An illustrated biography of groundbreaking civil rights activist Vel Phillips for young readers

Fair housing advocate, civil rights champion, and civic leader Vel Phillips spent her life breaking barriers and fighting for justice for all people. As the first Black woman on the Milwaukee Common Council, Wisconsin's first Black judge, and the first Black woman to win statewide office when she was elected secretary of state of Wisconsin, Phillips left a lasting legacy that has inspired generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.

Valiant Vel depicts Phillips's captivating story for young readers in middle and high school--from her childhood experiences facing racial discrimination, to achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer, to her long career in politics and civil rights. In the 1960s, Phillips spearheaded a campaign to advocate for fair housing in Milwaukee, joining forces with the NAACP Youth Council and marching alongside other activists in the face of violent opposition. In 1968, Phillips's persistence paid off when the Milwaukee Common Council passed a fair housing ordinance.

Beautifully illustrated with historic photographs and original artwork by Milwaukee artist Aaron Boyd, Valiant Vel makes an excellent addition to young readers' bookshelves at school and at home. With an afterword by Phillips's son, Michael, a glossary of terms, and sources for further research, this book provides a thorough look at an inspirational activist who dedicated her life to making the world a better place.

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