Avel Gordly, First Black Woman in Oregon Senate, Passes Away

A pioneering public servant, she dedicated her career to advancing equity, justice and opportunity across the state

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Avel Louise Gordly, the first Black woman to serve in the Oregon State Senate, has passed away. Born in 1947 in Portland to a working-class family, Gordly went on to have a distinguished career in public service, including roles with the American Friends Service Committee and Black United Front, before serving as a State Representative and State Senator from 1991 to 2009.

Why it matters

Gordly's trailblazing career as the first Black woman in the Oregon Senate made her an important figure in the state's political history, championing causes of equity, justice and opportunity for all Oregonians.

The details

Avel Louise Gordly was born in 1947 in Portland to Beatrice and Fay Lee Gordly, a working-class family. Her father was a Union Pacific Pullman Porter. Gordly went on to serve with the American Friends Service Committee and Black United Front before being elected as a State Representative and then becoming the first Black woman to serve in the Oregon State Senate, a position she held from 1991 to 2009.

  • Avel Gordly was born in 1947 in Portland.
  • Gordly served as a State Representative and then State Senator from 1991 to 2009.

The players

Avel Gordly

The first Black woman to serve in the Oregon State Senate, Gordly had a distinguished career in public service, championing causes of equity, justice and opportunity.

Beatrice and Fay Lee Gordly

Avel Gordly's parents, a working-class family in Portland.

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The takeaway

Avel Gordly's trailblazing career as the first Black woman in the Oregon Senate made her an important figure in the state's political history, paving the way for greater diversity and representation in government.