>> In 1971, Vel Phillips got a call from
Governor Patrick Lucey.
>> When I got elected governor, I wanted to build
as much support as I could in the black community.
And when I would go to a black church and have Vel Phillips
with me, it really set the stage very nicely for my having
a favorable reception.
>> Governor Lucey asked Phillips if she would accept
an appointment as a children's court judge.
>> Oh, yeah. I was surprised.
He called and he said, "There's going to be an opening
and I want you to be the first black."
>> In larger black communities we had it was important to have
a sitting judge who was black and the fact that she
was a woman was an additional advantage.
>> I just thought that I would have a chance to help shape
someone's life, to really make a difference.
>> Phillips left her seat on the Milwaukee Common Council
after 15 years of service and became the first
African American judge in Wisconsin history.
>> I shall remember, for a very long time,
this morning.
Because I am sure that there will be many times when
remembering your good faith, your confidence in my ability,
and your sincere wishes for my success, will be like water
to a thirsty traveler.
[cheers and applause]
[Vel]: I loved being in children's court.
I loved it.
>> As a children's court judge, Phillips focused her attention
on the issues facing African American families.
>> A disproportionate number of African American kids
coming before her because they're disproportionately poor.
She knew the family was important.
>> On the bench, Phillips saw families torn apart by crisis.
In 1974, her family faced a crisis of its own,
when her eldest son, Dale Jr. was diagnosed
with schizophrenia.
>> You say to yourself, did I do something wrong?
>> The truth of mental illness in a family situation,
it's a shattering.
He was a paranoid schizophrenic.
He didn't trust.
That mistrust, it hit my father like a hammer blow.
>> My husband didn't really understand.
He thought that if we found out that Dale was having some mental
problems, we'd call the doctor, and we'd get his medication
and everything, and then he's okay.
And it wasn't quite like that, you know, and that was hard.
I cry when I think about it, because we didn't know
how to deal with it.
Oh, it was a difficult time.
It was a difficult time.
>> I think it separated my parents a certain degree.
I know that my father probably dove into work more.
My mom was, she's never carried a lot of weight,
but I think during this period, she was even thinner.
It was a very trying time.
It wouldn't surprise me if my mother looked to a job
in Madison as sort of break from some of that.