From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

James E. Hudson was an elevator operator at the Kentucky Capitol Building in Frankfort. In 1922, he addressed the Kentucky General Assembly; he was thought to be the first African American to address the Assembly.

An evolution bill was being debated, and Hudson's Bible had been borrowed to argue a point. The Bible was worn, and Representative George C. Waggoner from Scott County led the collection effort to buy Hudson a new Bible and a Bible dictionary. His remarks to the Kentucky General Assembly were in response to receiving his new Bible and dictionary.

Hudson also owned a restaurant that he managed during the week. In 1930, Hudson, his wife Callie, and her son Joseph lived on East Third Street in Frankfort, according to the U.S. Federal Census.

Most of this information comes from "Bible Presentation," a defunct web page by the Legislative Research Commission; and United We Stand: Encouraging Diversity in Kentucky's Leaders (.pdf) [which includes a photograph of Hudson], by Kentucky.gov. See also "Volunteer Chaplain," The Bismarck Tribune, 2/2/1928, front page.