Compiled by MCJ Staff
After 40 years, their work is still not forgotten.

Members of the Milwaukee Common Council recently held a special news conference commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Fair Housing Law, a law passed by the Common Council that struck a blow against housing discrimination in the late 1960s.

The law’s original author, Alderwoman Vel Phillips and Peggy Rozga, writer and former wife of the late Father James Groppi, were on hand for Wednesday’s commemorative event.

Nearly 40 people were in attendance as Common Council President Willie Hines, Jr., Alderman Ashanti Hamilton and Alderman Milele Coggs gave speeches and accolades to the demonstrators of the historic March on Milwaukee, a peaceful protest in which marchers valiantly marched across the 16th Street Viaduct to the city’s south side.

The Fair Housing Law was passed on a unanimous vote of the Common Council on April 30, 1968.

Alderwoman Vel Phillips, along with a grassroots coalition of civil rights activists, protested peacefully and marched 200 consecutive nights in order to achieve the passage of this law, which contributed to the passing of the historic 1968 Federal Fair Housing Act.

The Fair Housing Law in Milwaukee initially outlawed racial discrimination in the rental or purchase of real estate, and has since been expanded to include all protected classes.

During Wednesday’s event, archived videos of WTMJ 4 news clips were viewed. The clips showed Vel Phillips and Father Groppi during the epic march.

Greeted with a standing ovation, Phillips, who was instrumental in the process, was visibly moved as she watched the footage from 40 years ago.

The Common Council also presented accolades to members of the Commandos, a group of young Black men who played an intricate part in the March on Milwaukee; they were responsible for protecting the marchers.

Several of the members of the Commandos present indicated that it was the first time that they had ever been recognized for their work.

In addition to special recognition on behalf of the Common Council, the Mayor’s Office also paid tribute to the special day.

A mayoral proclamation was presented to commemorate the passing of Fair Housing Law.