Avel Gordly | |
|---|---|
 Avel Gordly in 2011 | |
| Member of the Oregon Senate from the 23rd district | |
| In office 1997–2009 | |
| Preceded by | Ron Cease |
| Succeeded by | Jackie Dingfelder |
| Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 19th district | |
| In office 1991–1996 | |
| 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 an activist, community organizer, and former politician in the U.S. state of Oregon, who in 1996 became the first African-American woman to be elected to the Oregon State Senate. She served in the Senate from 1997 to 2009. Previously, she served for five years in the Oregon House of Representatives.