Panel Discussion: “African American Women Reflect on Serving Together in the Oregon Senate”

In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the passage of Oregon’s Public Accommodations Act, Senators Margaret Carter, Avel Gordly, and Jackie Winters reflect on serving together. Dr. Kim Williams of Portland State University will moderate the discussion.

Sen. Margaret Carter was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1985, and after 14 successful terms won a seat in the Oregon Senate. Upon her election, she became the first African American to be elected by her colleagues as President Pro Tempore.

Sen. Avel Gordly was the first African American woman to be elected to the Oregon State Senate, representing Oregon Senate’s 23rd District from 1997 to 2009. Gordly also was a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 1991 to 1996.

Sen. Jackie Winters was elected as District 31’s State Representative in 1998, the first African-American Republican to achieve this honor. She was re-elected to this office in 2000. In 2002, 2006 and again in 2010, she was elected as State Senator for District 10. This event is part of the Oregon Historical Society’s Oregon Black History Series, a year of public programs, exhibits, and events celebrating this community’s rich history.