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Tragedy doesn’t stop senior from helping

Senior Ridgeley Hudson has worked in his community since the age of 10 by participating in several outreach initiatives within his community and school district. He is a member of the executive board of the Detroit Public Schools Community District Council. Also, he is a youth minister at church, Perfecting Triumphant Overcomers Church located in Detroit.

Ridgeley Hudson is a co-founder of the Kings & Queens of Martin Luther King Mentoring Program. This peer-mentor program is used to support students. Last year, he received the Youth Spirit of Community Award 

“I like people and I like to help people along the way,” Hudson said. “I always reach back, and I think that's one of the reasons why I'm dedicated. I realize there are a lot of people who are unheard in our society.”

Hudson lost both of his parents early. His mother died when he was 11 months old, and his father died during his ninth-grade year. His strong leadership skills are inherited from his father because he showed Hudson what hard work looks like.

“My drive has been my father,” Hudson said. “He raised me based on old-school fundamentals that he was raised on which was ‘it takes a village to raise a child.”

Hudson is a co-founder of the Kings & Queens of Martin Luther King Mentoring Program. This peer-mentor program is used to support students. Last year, he received the Youth Spirit of Community Award for his active involvement in the city. 

“He showed exemplary spirit in and out of school and in leadership,'' assistant principal Lawrence Fitz said. “He worked tirelessly with Dr. Vitti and board members for King High issues and is responsible for student internal communications within the school.” 

On Jan. 19, Hudson received the John Conyers Peace and Justice Award during the MLK Legacy program. This award is specifically for a young person in the community who upholds the legacy of Congressman John Conyers.

One of Hudson’s mentors Michael Joseph, UAW representative, surprised him with this award.

“This is for his ongoing commitment and dedicated services, upholding the legacy of Congressman John Conyers and excellence in peace and justice,” Joseph said. “He’s one of my mentees and he’s a great man. He is going to be greater and greater.”

Administrative assistant Dawn Binyard is one of Hudson’s mentors at King. Binyard said she thinks Hudson’s compassion makes him dedicated to his community. 

“He wants everybody to do well,” Binyard said. “He does important things for the betterment of Martin Luther King High School.”

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