SEIU Local 503 joins communities in Oregon and across the nation in mourning the passing of Avel Gordly and Jesse Jackson, two extraordinary leaders whose lives were dedicated to justice, dignity, lifting up Black communities, and opportunity for working people. 

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded that Black history is not only about reflection; it’s about resilience, courage, and hope. Senator Avel Gordly embodied that spirit. As Oregon’s first Black woman legislator and state senator, she broke barriers and ensured that communities excluded from power had a voice in shaping our state’s future. Her leadership on racial justice, education, and equity leaves a lasting imprint on Oregon. 

Reverend Jesse Jackson was a moral force in the fight for civil rights and economic justice nationwide. For decades, he challenged our nation to live up to its highest ideals, including expanding opportunity, defending voting rights, and standing firmly with working families. His work reminded us that progress is possible when ordinary people organize and raise their voices together. 

We honor their legacies by recommitting ourselves to the unfinished work they advanced. Their lives are a testament to the power of hope, hope that systems can change, that barriers can fall, and that a more just and inclusive future is within reach. 

SEIU 503 stands in solidarity with their families, loved ones, and the many communities they inspired. May we carry forward their courage, their vision, and their unwavering belief in justice for all.