OSHKOSH — U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) issued the following statement after introducing bipartisan legislation to rename a Milwaukee post office after Vel Phillips, a Wisconsin civil rights trailblazer:

“Vel Phillips broke barrier after barrier in a remarkable life that was dedicated to serving her community and her state. This is just one meaningful way that we can honor her years of hard work and sacrifice, and it is a privilege to play a small role in this first step toward naming a U.S. post office after a Milwaukee icon.”

The bill would officially change the name of the post office at 2650 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to the “Vel R. Phillips Post Office Building.” Ms. Phillips was the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School, the first woman and the first African American to serve on the Milwaukee Common Council, and also served as a judge and as Wisconsin’s Secretary of State.

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