About The Gordly Burch House
Our History
The Gordly Burch House is the childhood family home of of Oregon’s first Black Woman Senator Avel Louise Gordly . The home is located on North Williams Avenue in the center of what was Portland’s Black Community in a block that is still majority Black owned. We use this space to convene, connect , listen to, learn from and train Black leaders and community members
Our Mission
The Gordly Burch Center for Black Leadership and Civic Engagement housed within The Gordly Burch House works to explore and honor the history of Black leaders and movements in Oregon and works to increase the number of Black leaders and policy makers across Oregon. Our work includes identifying, connecting training and supporting current and former Black elected officials and civic leaders statewide, gathering those leaders several times throughout the year and a two track leadership development program, one focused on elected office and the other focused on civic engagement including service on boards and commissions. The cultural preservation element includes preserving the history of Black Leadership in Oregon inside of the historic Gordly home which will be open for community access , tours and educational opportunities.