Former State Rep. Hudson remembered

By Norma Adams Wade and Cheryl Smith

Texas State Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s tribute was among the many shared as word of the death of former Texas State Rep. Samuel William Hudson III, spread.  

Hudson, who was 81, died Monday, according to sources who also confirmed that the arrangements would be handled by Black and Clark Funeral Home in Oak Cliff.

Crockett, who holds the House District 100 seat that Hudson was elected to in 1972, joined with her mentor, U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson who served in the Texas House with Hudson, as they expressed condolences.

Although she had never met him in person Crockett said he called to congratulate her when she was elected in July 2020. 

They had several conversations, which she said,“spoke to the legacy in HD 100 and how much those who have gone on to do something else care about the district.” 

Saying it was a blessing to get a call from him wishing her well and talking about issues, the freshman representative was emotional as she expressed appreciation for the interest Hudson showed her.

“I never thought the very first person to hold my seat would be calling me,” said Rep. Crockett, adding that she “was looking forward to meeting him.”

But unfortunately, that meeting never took place.

Born November 6, 1940, Hudson is a graduate of James Madison High School (Class of 1957) in Dallas. He studied biology-chemistry at Texas Southern University and criminal law at Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

After taking office in January 1973, he held the office for 24 years; serving 12 terms. 

The name Sam Hudson has been passed down through generations of this prominent Dallas Black family dynasty. 

Members of the family have left strong, mostly positive imprints in various areas of achievement – education, government housing appointment, art and culture (dance training), and even trailblazing as a first Black ice skater for the Ice Capades at the State Fair of Texas.

The Hudson family, indeed, has been a certified dynasty.

In the legislature, he made some brownie points, during his nearly 25 years in office, from the early 1970s to the late 1990s. He was a founding member of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus founded in 1972.

Other Texas Black Caucus founding members were Mickey Leland, Senfronia Thompson, Craig Washington, G. J. Sutton, Paul Ragsdale and Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Hudson, many remember, once went on a hunger strike to attempt to pass a bill.

Mayor Johnson’s Statement on the death of former state Rep. Sam Hudson

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Hudson, who I considered to be a friend and a mentor. Representative Hudson epitomized what it meant to be a public servant. He provided me with my first glimpse into public service by hiring me as an intern in his district office when I was a high school student. I am forever grateful for that opportunity, and I loved working for him. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known — a true gentleman. I admired him so greatly that I exclusively wore bow ties — his trademark look — for a time while I was in high school. When I was elected to represent District 100, which he had served so gracefully for 24 years, I tried to live up to the example he set. Our city and our state are better because of his time in the Texas Legislature, and I, like many others, are better for having known him. May he rest in peace.”