MADISON, Wis. –A key legislative subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend erecting a statue of Vel Phillips, Wisconsin’s first black secretary of state on the state Capitol grounds. The recommendation goes next to the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board. The suggested that Georgia sculptor Radcliffe Bailey design the statue. Bailey is recognized for African-American subjects. A decision is expected in the fall.

Bailey. His sculpture explores African-American history.

Phillips. Wisconsin secretary of state, 1979-1983.