Vel Phillips Legacy Honored in New Sculpture | Milwaukee News

A powerful new public artwork titled “I Didn’t Do It Alone” is set to debut this Friday at 11 AM in Vel R. Phillips Plaza, honoring the late civil rights leader and trailblazer Vel R. Phillips. Created by acclaimed artist Karyn Olivier, the installation features stone figures linked arm-in-arm—symbolizing those who stood with Phillips during historic open housing protests—and a bronze desk with an empty chair, inviting viewers to reflect on her legacy and their own role in justice. Selected from 60 submissions after a citywide call for artists in 2023, the $600K commission not only celebrates Phillips’ multifaceted life as politician, attorney, judge, and activist but also serves as a living monument to collective action and community resilience. Olivier’s past work—including installations at Newark Airport and the Whitney Biennial—underscores her commitment to memorializing underrepresented histories, with a major upcoming project in Philadelphia further cementing her impact. This piece isn’t just tribute—it’s a call to continue the fight for equity, echoing Phillips’ enduring vision. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/654bb1a7bd6aa7c4