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Biography · Politics & Public Life

Avel Gordly

1947–2026

United States

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Biography

Avel Louise Gordly (February 13, 1947 – February 16, 2026) was an American activist, community organizer, and politician in the U.S. state of Oregon. In 1996, she became the first African-American woman to be elected to the Oregon State Senate, serving from 1997 to 2009.

Sources & collection details

Wikipedia contributors — original record ↗

Black heritage reference ↗

Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

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