Hazel Dukes, a prominent figure in civil rights and the president of the New York State chapter of the NAACP, passed away on Saturday at the age of 92. Surrounded by family, Dukes passed peacefully at her home in New York City, as confirmed by her son, Ronald Dukes, in a statement.
Leading the New York State NAACP for nearly fifty years, Dukes was a staunch advocate for a multitude of causes including voting rights, economic growth, fair housing, and education. Even into her nineties, she actively addressed issues such as police brutality and the need for equitable health care in neglected communities. The NAACP’s New York State chapter highlighted her relentless commitment to these causes in their statement.
In 2023, Dukes was honored with the Spingarn Medal, the NAACP’s highest accolade, by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. During her acceptance speech, Dukes confidently declared, “I’m not tired yet,” emphasizing her continued dedication to advocacy and her desire to empower the future leaders of the NAACP.
Dukes was pivotal in facilitating opportunities for Black women to achieve high-ranking positions in the country. Notably, in 1972, she endorsed Shirley Chisholm for the Democratic presidential nomination, marking a significant moment in history as Chisholm was the first Black woman to pursue the nomination.
Dukes’ influence extended to advising former President Joe Biden on selecting a Black woman as his running mate in 2020, which came to fruition. Her lifelong advocacy efforts reached a significant milestone as former Vice President Kamala Harris announced her 2024 presidential bid. Harris recognized Dukes’ impact in a heartfelt post, celebrating Dukes as one of the foundational heroes upon whom many stand today.
Expressing her pride in Harris’ achievements, Dukes remarked in a previous interview how witnessing this advancement would be a significant moment in her life. Not only did Dukes lead her consulting firm, but she also contributed as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors. The NAACP expressed profound gratitude for her contributions and considered her a “living embodiment” of their mission, leaving an indelible mark on every aspect of the civil rights movement.
As a tribute to Dukes’ lifelong achievements and dedication, New York City Mayor Eric Adams ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff.
