Former State Senator Priscilla Dunn has died

September 17, 2024 – Montgomery – retired longtime state legislator Priscilla Dunn (D-Bessemer) passed away she was age 80.

On Thursday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) spoke on the House Floor to honor the life and legacy of former State Senator Dunn.

"A lifelong educator and trailblazing public servant, Senator Dunn dedicated her life to the betterment of her community and the State of Alabama," said Rep. Sewell in her House floor speech. "In 1961, she graduated from Abrams High School in Bessemer where she served as Cheer Captain and the first "Miss Abrams High." After receiving her bachelor's degree from the Alabama State University and her master's degree from the University of Montevallo, Senator Dunn's passion for education drove her to the Alabama school system where she served as a public school teacher for more than three decades."

"Senator Dunn spent 24 years in the Alabama Legislature, first in the House and then in the Senate," Sewell continued. "She held numerous leadership positions in organizations throughout Jefferson County, Alabama, including President of the Concerned Citizens of the Bessemer Cut-Off for 16 years and Coordinator of the Jefferson County Democratic Conference."

"Senator Dunn was a true public servant," said Sewell. "As a school teacher as well as a Sunday School teacher, she was definitely guided by her abiding faith, and she always practiced what she preached."

"On a personal note, I was blessed to have known Senator Dunn and her wonderful family," Sewell added. "As Alabama's first Black Congresswoman, I stand on the shoulders of amazing leaders like Senator Dunn who opened the doors for me and many others. She was a grand dame whose footsteps we as Black women elected officials in Alabama are blessed to follow."

Sewell represents Alabama's Seventh Congressional District. Most of Dunn's former State Senate district is in CD7.