{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-leads-effort-memorialize-oregons-black-history-america-250-time-capsule", "Bynum Leads Effort to Memorialize Oregon\u2019s Black History in America 250 Time Capsule, Honoring Avel Gordly's Legacy", "2026-06-23", "2026", "2026-06", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Janelle S. Bynum", "B001326", "bynum.house.gov", "bynum", "https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum led Oregon's effort to ensure Oregon\u2019s Black history was represented in artifacts for inclusion in the Congressional Semiquincentennial Time Capsule. Rep. Bynum submitted a photograph of Avel Louise Gordly, the first Black Senator to serve in the Oregon State Senate, to be included in the capsule.\n\n\"Senator Gordly's leadership helped pave the way for future generations of leaders in public service,\u201d said Rep. Janelle Bynum. \"She stood firm on the principles of educating and caring for Oregon\u2019s children and she stood for transparency and accountability in government. As the first Black woman elected to the Oregon State Senate, she opened doors for countless Oregonians and helped build a more inclusive future for our state. In a time when Black women\u2019s contributions and accomplishments in service to America are being overlooked, recognizing Sen. Gordly stands as a testament to strength, resilience, and independence. These are not just her values, but they are Oregon values. As Oregon\u2019s first Black woman elected to Congress, I am proud to help ensure her legacy is preserved as part of our nation's 250th anniversary.\"\n\nThe Congressional Semiquincentennial Time Capsule will preserve artifacts from all 50 states and U.S. territories, offering future generations a snapshot of America as it approaches its 250th year. The time capsule is set to be opened in 2276.\n\nIn addition to Gordly's photograph, Oregon's submission includes artifacts that reflect the state's unique identity and contributions to the nation, including:\n\nA ballot and envelope, to celebrate Oregon\u2019s status as the first vote-by-mail state.\n\nPrinted images of iconic Oregon landscapes.\n\nAn illustration depicting Oregon\u2019s agricultural production.\n\nSheet music and lyrics of songs about Oregon (\u201cEugene\u201d by Dolly Parton, \u201cPortland, Oregon, You\u2019re My Home\u201d by Carrie Brownstein & Fred Armisen, and \u201cComing Home (Oregon)\u201d by Matt Kearney).\n\nA press article about Oregon\u2019s newest professional sports team.\n\nA sunstone \u2013 mined only in eastern Oregon and the official state gemstone.\n\nA pair of \u2018Crater Lake\u2019 patterned socks from Pendleton Woolen Mills, established in 1909.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://bynum.house.gov/media/press-releases/bynum-leads-effort-memorialize-oregons-black-history-america-250-time-capsule"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.4872949104756117, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}