National Black community hero, Orrin Hudson, wins 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Award
Nationwide (BlackNews.com) — When it comes to making a positive difference in young lives, most people would say reaching 25,000 youngsters is an incredible achievement, but not if you are Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson. His goal is to reach at least 1 million young people through his Be Someone, Inc. organization, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering youth empowerment through the game of chess.
Hudson was recently honored at the United Covenant Church of Christ’s (UCCC) 23rd Holy Convocation in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a recipient of the 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Award for Social Justice, and the award was presented to him by Bishop Eric D. Garnes. Also honored was Dr. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Atlanta’s famed Ebenezer Baptist Church. The event, held at the Downtown Sheraton Atlanta Hotel from July 9-11, 2012, was the first time that UCCC had issued these prestigious awards.
Hudson says he is “honored and humbled to receive the award, especially with someone like Dr. Warnock.” The former Alabama state trooper and chess champion is focused on touching as many lives as he can. “After receiving an award like this, I rededicate myself to working even harder. Teaching kids makes my heart sing, and it allows me to make a difference just like someone did in my life years ago.”
Hudson also noted that receiving the prestigious award has opened up a lot of opportunities to better promote and enhance his organization. He comments, “I had a chance to meet someone who I truly admire, Bishop Noel Jones – who was one of the keynote speakers at the ceremony. He invited me to speak at his Church City of Refuge in Gardena, California, which is yet another honor that I’m very grateful for.”
For his phenomenal work with children, Hudson has also been recognized by CNN, Good Morning America, People Magazine, and many other national news outlets.
Learn more about Orrin Hudson and his Be Someone organization at:
www.besomeone.org
To watch his powerful story on YouTube, visit:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLFENGymr34
About UCCC
Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, United Covenant Churches of Christ (UCCC) is an international Christian fellowship comprised of more than 20,000 congregants. On July 9-11, 2012, delegates from as far as Nigeria, Alaska, and California traveled to attend the 23rd Holy Convocation in Atlanta. Renowned preachers Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Brian Moore and Bishop Eric D. Garnes were all keynote speakers. For more information about UCCC, visit www.unitedcovenantchurches.com
Photo Caption: Bishop Eric D. Garnes (right) presents Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson (left) with the National 2012 MLK Award for Social Justice.
Photo Credit: Cedric Wooten
