2007 Senate Resolution 23
ENGROSSED RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Representative Isaac N. Coggs.
Whereas, Representative Isaac N. Coggs became the third African-American elected to the Wisconsin legislature with his election to the state assembly in 1952, serving until 1964 when he won election to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors; and
Whereas, Representative Isaac N. Coggs, has the honor of being the first African-American in the state of Wisconsin to serve as chairman of a legislative committee, the 1959 Assembly Committee on Public Welfare; and
Whereas, Representative Isaac N. Coggs was a leading voice on legislation to protect and enhance civil rights and was the legislative advocate for changes to housing discrimination laws inspiring the Open Housing Marches led by Father James Groppi and the Reverend Richard Kirkendoll; and
Whereas, Representative Isaac N. Coggs helped to create a legacy of political greatness and social justice, a legacy carried on in Wisconsin by his daughter, Supervisor Elizabeth Coggs-Jones, and in the state legislature by his nephews, Representative Leon Young and Senator Spencer Coggs; and
Whereas, the adoption of this senate resolution is supported not only by the senate, but also by members of the assembly, including specifically Representatives Young, Grigsby, Turner, Zepnick, Sheridan, and Toles; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, That the members of the Wisconsin senate honor the career and dedication of "Mr. Civil Rights," Representative Isaac N. Coggs, for establishing a tradition of legislative service that has set the standard for all future African-American legislators, a standard of service we celebrate today.
