Hazel Dukes, Iconic Civil Rights Leader and NAACP New York State Conference President, Dies at 92

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Dr. Hazel Dukes, an iconic civil rights leader and president of the NAACP New York State Conference, has died at the age of 92. Her son, Ronald Dukes, announced her passing, stating that she died peacefully on Saturday morning. Dukes was a committed civil rights leader in New York City and the nation, working tirelessly on the frontlines almost until the end of her life. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, making history in New York as the first Black American to work for the Nassau County Attorney's Office on Long Island.

Dukes was active in politics until her death, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election and administering the oath of office to Gov. Kathy Hochul, the first woman elected governor of New York, in 2023. She stood by New York City Mayor Eric Adams when he was charged with corruption last year, and her fearless advocacy opened doors for countless New Yorkers. As the longtime leader of the NAACP New York State Conference, she fought tirelessly for civil rights, education equity, and economic justice. Her legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and her impact on the lives of many will never be forgotten.

Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, described Dukes as "a force of nature" after learning of her death. He said she was a true friend and a champion for justice, and her passing has left a void in the lives of many. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued a statement ordering flags to be lowered in her honor, stating that Dukes was an internationally known Civil Rights leader who held important positions in Nassau County Government. The NAACP Board also released a statement, saying that Dukes was a living embodiment of the NAACP and led with conviction, always putting her community first.

Dukes had a long and distinguished career, serving as president of the Empire State's chapter of the civil rights organization and a member of the group's national board of directors. She was also a former president of the New York City Off Track Betting Corporation and founder and president of her own consulting firm, Hazel N. Dukes & Associates. Dukes was a trusted advisor to many Democratic politicians throughout the years, including former Gov. David Paterson, and was awarded various accolades, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the YWCA City of New York John La Farge Memorial Award for Interracial Justice.

Various political leaders grieved the loss of Dukes, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said she was with Dukes at her bedside during her final days. Hochul described Dukes as a mother figure and said her contributions to making the state and country more just, equitable, and fair will long endure after her passing. Attorney General Letitia James also paid tribute to Dukes, saying that she was a legend who fought for justice every day, and her legacy will live on. The list of Dukes' achievements and awards is extensive, and her impact on the world of civil rights and social justice will be remembered for years to come, including: * Ellis Island Medal of Honor * YWCA City of New York John La Farge Memorial Award for Interracial Justice * Guy R. Brewer Humanitarian Award * SUNY's Dr. Hazel Dukes Fellowship * Former president of the New York City Off Track Betting Corporation * Former president of the NAACP New York State Conference * Member of the NAACP's national board of directors