[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 12, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E819]]
               HONORING REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES I. HUDSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         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.

                          ____________________