Hudson’s wife, Bani Hines-Hudson, and Provost Shirley Willihnganz accepted the awards.
Both Hudson and UofL received the Arthur M. Walters Champion of Diversity Award, named for the former executive director of the Louisville Urban League who was “a bridge builder and promoter of equal opportunity,” according to Urban League CEO Benjamin Richmond.
The Urban League honored UofL because of its commitment to an urban mission, “especially under Dr. Ramsey and his team,” through programs like the partnership with Simmons College, Cardinal Covenant, Porter Scholars and Signature Partnership. Hudson was honored posthumously for his lifetime commitment to education and diversity.
Artist Ed Hamilton designed the award, “Fixing a Fractured World.”
Also at the event, the Urban League presented DuPont Manual graduating senior Zahara Gully with the Mr. and Mrs. James Ramsey Scholarship. Each year for the past three, the Ramseys have funded a $1,000 financial need scholarship from the Urban League. Recipients do not have to attend UofL, according to Urban League CEO Ben Richmond.