Hazel Dukes, the esteemed president of the New York State chapter of the NAACP and a dedicated civil rights advocate, peacefully passed away at the age of 92 in her New York City home on Saturday. Surrounded by her family, Dukes' son, Ronald Dukes, confirmed her passing in a statement.
Throughout her illustrious career spanning nearly five decades at the helm of the New York State NAACP, Dukes championed various causes such as voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and education. Even in her later years, she continued to be a vocal advocate against police brutality and for improved healthcare in underserved communities.
In 2023, Dukes was honored with the prestigious Spingarn Medal by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, recognizing her unwavering commitment to civil rights. During her acceptance speech, Dukes expressed her determination to keep fighting for justice and to empower the next generation of NAACP leaders.
Notably, Dukes played a pivotal role in paving the way for Black women to attain prominent political positions. In 1972, she seconded the presidential candidacy of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to seek the Democratic Party's nomination, at the Democratic National Convention.
Her influence extended to recent political milestones, as she revealed in an interview last year that she had influenced former President Joe Biden's decision to select a Black woman as his running mate in the 2020 election. Dukes lived to witness former Vice President Kamala Harris' historic bid for the presidency in 2024, a moment she described as the joy of her life.
Aside from her leadership in the NAACP, Dukes also ran her own consulting firm and served on the NAACP National Board of Directors. Described by NAACP leaders as a 'living embodiment' of the organization, Dukes' legacy has left an indelible mark on the civil rights movement.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Hazel Dukes, recognizing her immense contributions to the fight for equality and justice.
