Madison made civil rights history in 1963 by adopting the first fair housing ordinance in the state Thanks to a conservative white mayor, two forceful Black leaders, two pioneering women, a helpful city attorney, strong support from both city newspapers and a vast citizens’ support network, Madison made civil rights history in 1963 by adopting the state’s first open housing ordinance. January 29, 2021 12:10 PM Stu Levitan Updated: Marshall Colston (second from right below with his family — wife Eva and children Marty, Laura and Jacqueline, pictured left to ...