Avel Gordly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Avel Gordly
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Avel Gordly in 2011
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| Member of the Oregon Senate from the 23rd district |
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| In office 1997–2009 |
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| Preceded by | Ron Cease |
| Succeeded by | Jackie Dingfelder |
| Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 19th district |
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| In office 1991–1996 |
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| Preceded by | Ron Cease |
| Succeeded by | Jo Ann Bowman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 13, 1947 Portland, Oregon |
| Political party | Independent (since 2006) |
| Other political affiliations |
Democratic (until 2006) |
| Spouse | widowed |
| Residence | Portland, Oregon |
| Alma mater | Portland State University |
| Occupation | Activist, community organizer, educator |
Avel Louise Gordly (born February 13, 1947) is a dedicated activist, community organizer, and former politician from Oregon. In 1996, she made history by becoming the first African-American woman elected to the Oregon State Senate. She served in the Senate for 12 years, from 1997 to 2009. Before that, she spent five years in the Oregon House of Representatives.
Early Life and Education
Avel Gordly grew up in Portland, Oregon, as one of three children. Her mother was active in local community groups. Her grandmothers were also strong role models for her. One grandmother, Randolph, even helped start the Oregon's Association of Colored Women's Clubs.
Avel graduated from Girls Polytechnic High School in 1965. She was the first woman in her family to finish high school. After working for five years, she decided to go to college. She enrolled at Portland State University.
At Portland State, Avel studied the administration of justice. She discovered African American literature there for the first time. This experience was very important to her. In 1974, she became the first person in her family to graduate from college.
During her time at PSU, Avel also traveled to West Africa with a program called Operations Crossroads Africa. She spent time in a small village in Nigeria. This trip was a life-changing experience for her. After college, she worked as a counselor for the State of Oregon. She noticed unfair treatment based on race in the system.
A Career in Politics
Avel Gordly began her political career in 1991. She was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives. She was later elected to this seat and served three terms. She represented parts of north and northeast Portland.
In 1996, Avel Gordly achieved a major milestone. She won the election for the Oregon State Senate. This made her the first African-American woman to serve in that role. She was a member of the Democratic Party for many years. In late 2006, she changed her party registration. She became a nonaffiliated voter, meaning she did not belong to any political party. She decided not to run for re-election in 2008.
While she was still a senator, a special center was opened in her honor. In 2008, OHSU opened the Avel Gordly Center for Healing. This center provides important mental health services to the community.
Current Work and Legacy
Today, Avel Gordly teaches as a professor at her former college, Portland State University. She is also an author. She co-wrote her memoirs, Remembering the Power of Words, which was published in 2001. Her book shares her life experiences and insights.
See also
- List of American politicians who switched parties in office
