"Well, my name is Vel Phillips." "And V-E-L is short for Velvalea." "I was named after my aunt in Milwaukee, Wisconsin many years ago." "VelvaleaHartenceRodgers was born on February 18th, 1924 into Milwaukee's small but growing African American community." "She was the middle of three sisters and the daughter of Thelma and Russell Rodgers." "Myfatherwasverygifted." "He also was a splendid cook and we had a restaurant for years." "They'refiercelyproud of who they are as African Americans and knowledgeable of" "African American history in a time where those things are not taught." "Myfatherwasaquiet, strong person." "He had to be strong to put up with my mother who was strong." "Vel'smother,Thelma,had  three rules for her daughters." "Shewantedus to be ladies." "We couldn't smoke, we couldn't drink, we couldn't talk loud." "But she wanted us to be smart."