For immediate release

Contact: Zoe Kinstler, 414-708-1086

Vel R. Phillips Plaza has welcomed a remarkable new piece of public art honoring the life and legacy of one of Milwaukee's greatest civil rights leaders. Despite the dreary weather, Milwaukee came together for the unveiling of "I Didn't Do It Alone," a powerful new work by artist Karyn Olivier honoring Vel R. Phillips and the impact she made on Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and across the country.

The name couldn't be more fitting. Vel broke barriers throughout her life, but her story is also one of community, family, determination, and people working together to create change.

The Internationally acclaimed artist, Karyn Olivier, brought the vision to life.  Mike Phillips from the Phillips family joined to honor his mother's legacy and to share Vel's story. 

Future generations deserve to know the people who helped shape Milwaukee and the Vel R. Phillips Plaza gives them that opportunity to learn now better than ever with this interactive art installation, which is the largest art commission by the City of Milwaukee in recent history.