Dan and Sojn Hudson are an inspiring couple who define what it means to serve and to bring communities together.
The Hudsons have lived in Bothell for over 25 years now and when they aren’t hiking the trails of Shelton View Forest, they are maintaining them.
Every week, Dan, who is part of a six-man crew, dedicates his time to clearing downed trees and debris, bringing in bark, building bridges and creating entirely new trails for community members to explore and enjoy.
You will often find the Hudsons serving on a nonprofit board, volunteering at a local food bank, joining a coalition or participating in a city advisory committee to help Bothell and the greater Puget Sound Region become more welcoming and inclusive for all.
To date, Sojn is part of the Bothell Police Community Academy, which gives participants an inside look at the Police Department, and she recently served on the City's ad-hoc DEI Task Force. Dan is a passionate board member of the Breakfast Group, where he mentors and advocates for at-risk Black male high school students who attend Seattle School District. Dan also plays an active role in the Bothell Police Department's Community Advisory Committee, formed just this year.
Last week, Dan and Sojn, graciously accepted the City’s Black History Month Proclamation and shared what Black History Month means to them, as well as steps we can all take to celebrate and support Black Americans.
“Black History Month is a time to reflect and to honor those who have come before us, and for setting strides to do more, to bring more equality. It’s also a time to look beyond the people that we all know and to learn about the unsung heroes and the other Black pioneers who have helped shape our culture and America to be what it is today. Go out and patronize Black businesses, go shop, go to a new restaurant, go to a church. Expose yourselves to something that isn’t right there. Just last week, I went to a new coffee shop that is owned by a Black and Latin couple. I don’t even drink coffee but I bought tea and pastries to support them,” Sojn shared.
When we asked Dan and Sojn what their vision is for the future of Bothell, they both said that what they want is for Bothell to thrive for all communities.
“It takes a village. It really, truly does. In order for justice to move forward, we must all stand together.”
Learn more about Black History Month and additional ways that you can celebrate today.