Honoring Representative Charles I. Hudson

HONORING REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES I. HUDSON -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 12, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN
OF LOUISIANA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2004

Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of an extraordinary man who made a tremendous impact on my life and the lives of so many in Louisiana. State Representative Charles "Doc" Hudson, educator, statesman, businessman, husband, parent, pioneer, friend and mentor, passed away May 7, 2004, at the age of 72 in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Dr. Hudson began his life in public service as the first African-American elected to the Opelousas Board of Aldermen, where he served for ten years. He went on to become the first African-American to serve a four-year term as deputy secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and the first African-American mayor protemp of Opelousas. In 1991, he became the first African-American from St. Landry Parish to be elected to the Louisiana House of Representatves, a position he held until his death.

However, it is impossible to describe Doc by simply enumerating the positions he held. Anyone who knew him knew of his zealous commitment to education. As an accomplished student himself, he valued knowledge more than anything. In 1999, he gained national prominence when he introduced a bill in the Louisiana Legislature requiring students to show respect to teachers and school personnel.

Doc himself was an incredible teacher. Having spent four years serving with him in the Louisiana Legislature, I can personally attest that he was a tremendous mentor for young politicians. He was never too busy to talk to someone, spend time with them, listen to their problems, and give them advice. I could always count on his honest opinion and he always kept his word.

Doc was also a steadfast supporter of his fellow public servants. When I hosted events in his area, Doc was always there; and while he fervently upheld his Democratic ideals, he never had a bad word to say against anyone of a different opinion.

With the passing of Dr. Hudson, Louisiana loses a civil rights pioneer and one of its strongest education advocates. I mourn the loss of my friend and am sorry for the legislators who will not be able to benefit from his guidance and wisdom. To his family, I express my most sincere condolences; and while so many are saddened by this tragic loss, I am confident that southwest Louisiana is a better place to live because of his influence and efforts. He will be remembered fondly by those who knew him.

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