H. Claude Hudson
H. Claude Hudson was a prominent businessman and advocate for civil rights, best known for helping to found the Broadway Federal Savings and Loan Association (now Broadway Federal Bank) in Los Angeles. In 1931, he was the first African-American graduate of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.
H. Claude Hudson | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 19, 1886 |
| Died | January 26, 1989 (aged 102) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Occupation | Businessman, dentist |
| Known for | Helped found Broadway Federal Savings and Loan Association, civil rights |
Biography
Henry Claude Hudson was born in Marksville, Louisiana on April 19, 1886.
Hudson studied at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, and later earned a degree in dentistry from Howard University in 1913. He was active in the Niagara Movement, the predecessor to the NAACP, working with figures such as W.E.B Du Bois and Moorfield Storey.[1] Hudson and his family moved to Los Angeles in 1923, where he helped integrate the public beaches. He also served as the president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the NAACP.[2]
In 1946, he helped found Broadway Federal Bank. Hudson served as chairman of the board from 1949 to 1972. His son Elbert Hudson succeeded him as chairman, followed by his grandson Paul C. Hudson, who took over leadership of the bank in 1992.[3]
Hudson died in his sleep, on January 26, 1989, at the age of 102.[2] He is buried at the Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles.
References
- "H. Claude Hudson dies at 102; Helped Found NAACP". January 28, 1989.
- Cheers, D. Michael, ed. (February 20, 1989). "H. Claude Hudson, NAACP Pioneer Dies at Age 102". Jet. Chicago, Illinois: Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. 75 (20): 18.
- "The History of Broadway Federal Bank". Broadway Federal Bank. Archived from the original on September 18, 2010. Retrieved October 16, 2010.