Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state flags to be lowered to honor the life of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a longtime New York civil rights leader who passed away on March 1 at the age of 92.
Dr. Dukes was a tireless advocate for civil rights, education reform, and voting rights, and her unwavering commitment to these causes transformed lives and uplifted communities. She served as President of the NAACP New York State Conference from 1989 to 1992 and was a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and various Board of Directors sub-committees.
A daughter of the South, Dr. Dukes was born in Montgomery, Alabama, where her father taught her to question racial segregation and her community showed her the power of organizing. After her family’s migration to New York in the 1940s, Dr. Dukes got heavily involved in the movement for racial equity across healthcare, education, and housing, and was ultimately selected by President Lyndon B. Johnson to the Head Start program.
Dr. Dukes received the Association’s highest honor, the Spingarn Medal, at the 114th National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. The Medal was presented by Hillary Rodham Clinton, who commended Dr. Dukes for her many decades of service to the people of New York and her dedication to bettering the lives of Black Americans across the country.
NAACP Chairman of the Board, Leon W. Russell, NAACP Vice Chair of the Board, Karen Boykin Towns, and NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following joint statement:
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.
The NAACP is mourning the passing of our New York State Conference President and organizational leader, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes. In addition to her role as New York State Conference President, Dr. Dukes was a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and an active member of various Board of Directors sub-committees. She also served as President of the Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Consultant Firm and held several leadership positions within her New York community.
Dr. Dukes will be deeply missed by her community and the NAACP family. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of civil rights leaders and activists.
FAQs
- What was Dr. Hazel N. Dukes’ role in the NAACP?
Dr. Dukes served as President of the NAACP New York State Conference from 1989 to 1992 and was a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and various Board of Directors sub-committees. - What was Dr. Dukes’ role in the Head Start program?
Dr. Dukes was selected by President Lyndon B. Johnson to the Head Start program. - What was Dr. Dukes’ legacy in the civil rights movement?
Dr. Dukes was a tireless advocate for civil rights, education reform, and voting rights, and her unwavering commitment to these causes transformed lives and uplifted communities. She received the Association’s highest honor, the Spingarn Medal, at the 114th National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. - What was Dr. Dukes’ relationship with Hillary Rodham Clinton?
Dr. Dukes received the Spingarn Medal from Hillary Rodham Clinton at the 114th National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts.
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