Hazel Dukes
NYC Newswire
Hazel Dukes
The NAACP is mourning the loss of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a tireless advocate for civil rights and a transformative leader in New York and across the nation. Dr. Dukes served as President of the New York State Conference of the NAACP, a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, and an active participant in the Executive Committee and various Board sub-committees. In addition to her work with the NAACP, she was the President of Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Consultant Firm and held numerous leadership positions within her New York community.
A Profound Loss for the Civil Rights Movement
NAACP Chairman of the Board Leon W. Russell, NAACP Vice Chair of the Board Karen Boykin Towns, and NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson issued a heartfelt joint statement in response to her passing:
"No words can convey the devastation that this loss brings upon us as individuals, and the NAACP as an organization. Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, known to many as 'Ma,' was a living embodiment of the NAACP. She led with conviction, always put her community first, and stood up to those who tried to bring us down.
"From leading our National organization to carrying our New York State Conference, serving as a passionate voice on our National Board of Directors, and mentoring our youth, there is no corner of the movement that has been untouched by Dr. Dukes' legacy. While she may have passed on, hers is a legacy that will outlive us all.
"The NAACP is proud to have served as a home, and our members and fellow leaders an extended family, for a force of nature and a source of light as bright as Dr. Dukes. Our hearts are with the Dukes family as we hold her memory close to our hearts while carrying the torch she lit."
Hazel Dukes with Rev. Al Sharpton and Herbert Daughtry
NAACP
Hazel Dukes with Rev. Al Sharpton and Herbert Daughtry
Hazel Dukes with Rev. Al Sharpton and Herbert Daughtry
NAACP
Hazel Dukes with Rev. Al Sharpton and Herbert Daughtry
A Lifetime of Achievements and Honors
Dr. Dukes’ contributions to civil rights and social justice spanned decades. At the 114th NAACP National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, she received the Spingarn Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the NAACP. The award was presented by Hillary Rodham Clinton, who recognized Dr. Dukes for her unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of Black Americans.
Her impact extended far beyond the NAACP. In 2020, she was awarded the Key to the City of New York by former Mayor Bill de Blasio for her lifelong dedication to justice. In a historic moment, she also became the first civilian in the United States to administer the oath of office to a governor—New York’s Kathy Hochul.
From Montgomery to Harlem: A Journey of Advocacy
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Dukes was raised in a household where questioning racial segregation was encouraged. Her father instilled in her a commitment to justice, while her community taught her the power of grassroots organizing. After her family migrated to New York in the 1940s, she became deeply involved in the fight for racial equity across healthcare, education, and housing. Her leadership skills and dedication led her to be selected by President Lyndon B. Johnson to work with the Head Start program, a pivotal initiative for early childhood education.
A Legacy That Lives On
Dr. Dukes began her leadership role within the NAACP in the 1990s, and for nearly 40 years, she remained a steadfast advocate for marginalized communities. Her leadership, mentorship, and activism have left an indelible mark on the civil rights movement.
Though her passing is an immense loss, her legacy of advocacy, empowerment, and leadership will endure. The NAACP and all those who were touched by her work will continue to carry forward the mission she dedicated her life to—ensuring justice and equality for all.
