ATLANTA, Georgia — Ken Hudson, one of the first full-time African-American referees for the National Basketball Association, passed away on May 9 in Atlanta. He officiated in the league from 1968 to 1972.
During this phase of his career, he interacted with such notable players as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Walt Frazier, Lenny Wilkins, and Jerry West, to name only a few. Hudson became beloved by both players and owners. In 2009 he was recognized by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, as the recipient of the prestigious Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he attended Westinghouse High School, Hudson earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio where he began his refereeing career. He returned to Pittsburgh to teach elementary school students for several years. Ken also attended the University of Pittsburgh. But, after working in other arenas, he found his niche in the world of sports.
The former executive for the Coca-Cola Company successfully negotiated agreements with the Big East, CIAA, SWAC, MEAC, and SIAC Conferences. After moving to Atlanta with Coca-Cola, he was on the committee that was responsible for developing relationships with the NBA.
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