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Women’s Month Spotlight: Maureen Walker – First African-American Elected Mount Vernon City Comptroller

AJ Woodson
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Women’s Month Spotlight: Maureen Walker – First African-American Elected Mount Vernon City Comptroller

Guyanese-born Maureen Walker made history in November 1993 when she became the first woman, the first African-American, and the first person of Caribbean descent to be elected to serve as Comptroller in the City of Mount Vernon. She served six consecutive terms from 1993 to 2017.

During her tenure, Comptroller Walker has achieved her objective of maintaining the City of Mount Vernon as a financially stable and viable municipality. This financial stability has resulted in ongoing budget surpluses, enabling the city to keep property tax increases to a minimum. As a result, Mount Vernon remained affordable for residents and businesses.  Under her leadership, the Department of Finance, on behalf of the City of Mount Vernon, had been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for many years. Maureen Walker was re-elected to the position of Comptroller of Mount Vernon in 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2013. 

Maureen is a New York State Certified Public Accountant. The Plaisance native holds an MBA in Finance from the University of New Haven and a B.Sc. in Accounting (magna cum laude) from Brooklyn College. Prior to being elected to the office of Comptroller, Maureen was employed as an Auditor with Arthur Anderson, & Company and as a Senior Financial Analyst with The Equitable Life Assurance Company.

As City Comptroller, Mrs. Walker was responsible for the Finance and Payroll Departments. As Comptroller, she managed the City’s Budget, oversaw insurance coverage, negotiated union contracts, tax collection, management of City-owned real estate, Risk Management, General Accounting, and Record Keeping, in addition to overseeing investments and financing of Capital Projects.

The Comptroller serves on the Board of Estimate (which approves City Contracts), the Real Estate Committee, the Mount Vernon Renewal Agency (which plans for the revitalization of the City), the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency, and the Capital Projects Board.

Maureen was an Adjunct Professor of Finance and Accounting at Iona College and a frequent speaker on various accounting and finance issues as they related to her job as City Comptroller. In addition, she was a member of the New York State Government Finance Officers’ Association, Inc., the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Westchester Municipal Finance Association.

Maureen demonstrated her commitment and concern for the people of the citizens of Mount Vernon through her years of dedicated service in professional and volunteer endeavors. Mrs. Walker served on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement and is a Consultant to the Junior Achievement arm of the Mount Vernon Public Schools System. She was a member of the Mount Vernon Business and Professional Women’s Club, Community Aid Club of Mount Vernon, and WESTHELP-Mount Vernon.

On Tuesday, March 24th, Mount Vernon Comptroller Dr. Darren M. Morton and the City of Mount Vernon will hold an unveiling Ceremony of the official portrait of former MV City Comptroller, The Honorable Maureen Walker, in the City Council Chambers. The event will recognize her years of leadership, service, and lasting contributions to the City of Mount Vernon.

We proudly celebrate Maureen Walker, a true Black Westchester Legend!

Excerpt from the book, “Black Westchester Celebrates Black Women Of Westchester,” available on Amazon or email BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com to purchase your autographed copies.

Westchester Youth Take Civic Action in Albany, Advocate for Change on Illegal Smoke Shops

DAMON K JONES
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Westchester Youth Take Civic Action in Albany, Advocate for Change on Illegal Smoke Shops

Albany, NY — February 14, 2026 — A group of young leaders from Westchester County is proving that civic engagement has no age limit.

Youth members of the Westchester County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., traveled to Albany alongside their parents to participate in the NYSBPHA Legislative Caucus Weekend, gaining firsthand exposure to how government works and how policy decisions shape their communities. The delegation included approximately 40 young people aged 9-17 and 20 adults, all participating in the chapter’s Civic–Legislative focus area.

Throughout the weekend, the students engaged directly with key political figures, including Majority Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, and Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins. These conversations focused on how legislation impacts communities of color, particularly in Westchester County.

One issue stood out among the young advocates: the growing presence of illegal pop-up smoke shops. The students voiced concerns about how these unregulated businesses disproportionately affect communities of color, particularly when located near schools and parks. Their advocacy was reinforced by remarks from Senator Landon C. Dais, who emphasized the importance of early civic engagement and its long-term impact on public service and leadership.

The weekend also included participation in the Youth Leadership Summit, sponsored by the I Will Graduate Organization, where students strengthened their leadership and public speaking skills. In a notable moment, the group had the opportunity to meet Governor Kathy Hochul, further expanding their understanding of state leadership and governance.

But the trip’s impact did not end in Albany.

Following Caucus Weekend, the youth continued their advocacy efforts back home, meeting with Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and representatives from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. The discussions centered on the harmful effects of illegal smoke shops on young people, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods.

Taking action beyond conversation, the group launched a petition calling for tighter regulations and enforcement against illegal smoke shops. To date, the petition has gathered more than 200 signatures. In addition, the youth submitted campaign letters to elected officials to ensure their concerns are heard at every level of government.

In a creative push to inspire their peers, the chapter also produced an original song titled “Power Has No Age: Big Impact. Real Change.”—a message-driven anthem encouraging young people to engage in civic life and advocate for issues that matter in their communities.

Through initiatives like this, the Westchester County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. continues to equip young people with the tools, confidence, and awareness needed to become informed advocates and future leaders.

The organization also extended thanks to Senator Jamaal Bailey, Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Senator Shelley Mayer, and Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow for their continued support of youth civic engagement efforts.

For those inspired by the movement, the message is clear: real change starts with action. Community members are encouraged to follow Jack and Jill Westchester Teens on Instagram to learn more about the initiative and support the ongoing petition.

Media Contact:
Lydia Adegbola, Chapter Editor
Westchester County, New York Chapter – Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated
Phone: 917-604-2124
Email: jjwceditorladegbola@gmail.com

Because as these young leaders have shown—power has no age. Big impact leads to real change.

Mount Vernon’s Future Coders, Climate Leaders, and AI Translators: Inside ELOC’s Youth Program

Larnez Kinsey
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Mount Vernon’s Future Coders, Climate Leaders, and AI Translators: Inside ELOC’s Youth Program

By Larnez Kinsey

Westchester County, let’s be very clear about something: when we talk about opportunity, we cannot pretend it lands evenly. It doesn’t. Not in a county where Metro-North can take you from Yonkers to Grand Central in under 35 minutes, yet access to elite academic pipelines can still feel miles away depending on your zip code. That is the contradiction, and it is exactly the kind of gap Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) is working to close.

Based in Mount Vernon, the nonprofit has built a reputation for connecting environmental justice, technology education, and youth leadership across Westchester County. Through programs that introduce students to artificial intelligence, coding, environmental science, and workforce development, ELOC is preparing young people for a future defined by technology and global challenges. And now the organization is helping connect local students to a powerful new opportunity, a national HBCU-centered pathway into careers in medicine and dentistry. Because talent is everywhere, but exposure is not. 

On February 20, 2026, ELOC, under the leadership of Board Chair Talbert Thomas, announced a competitive national opportunity for high school seniors interested in pursuing careers in medicine or dentistry through an HBCU-based academic track. The opportunity was brought directly to ELOC by Board Member Dr. Keith C. Norris, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles and a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine. Dr. Norris is internationally recognized for his work in chronic kidney disease research and advancing health equity, and his career reflects the power of the HBCU educational pipeline, from Howard-trained physician to national leader in medicine and research. When he identifies a program as an exceptional pathway for future healthcare professionals, it carries weight. This is not simply about college admission. It is about structured preparation for competitive careers in healthcare, built within the unique academic and cultural environment of an HBCU.

An HBCU experience is not just about campus tradition. It is about academic rigor with high expectations, cultural affirmation without apology, faculty mentorship grounded in lived understanding, leadership development rooted in legacy, and a powerful alumni network spanning medicine, research, public policy, and public health. For many students, HBCUs provide an environment where identity is not an obstacle but a foundation. For others, it is about focused preparation and strong mentorship within a supportive academic community. Either way, historically Black colleges and universities have produced generations of leaders across industries, including medicine and dentistry, and as Dr. Norris’ career demonstrates, that pipeline works.

Westchester is a county of contrasts, filled with top-ranked school districts and corporate headquarters, waterfront developments in New Rochelle, and historic neighborhoods throughout the region. It is also a place where some schools have advanced STEM labs while others offer far fewer advanced technology courses. Across the county, there are seniors who meet the eligibility benchmarks of a 3.5 GPA, a 1310 SAT or 28 ACT score, and current high school senior status. The excellence is here, but not every student has equal exposure to accelerated healthcare pathways, especially those tied to the HBCU experience. That is not about ability. It is about information flow, and information flow can determine life trajectory.

ELOC’s work goes beyond connecting students to academic opportunities. The organization is also preparing young people for the rapidly evolving technology landscape. Through its youth programming, students learn coding, environmental science, and digital data tools that are reshaping industries worldwide. In many ways, today’s students must become bilingual in artificial intelligence. Just as earlier generations had to learn the language of the internet, the next generation must learn how to work alongside AI systems that are transforming fields from healthcare to environmental research. Doctors increasingly rely on predictive diagnostics powered by machine learning, environmental scientists analyze climate data using advanced algorithms, and public health researchers depend on digital modeling tools. Understanding these technologies will be essential for tomorrow’s workforce, and programs like ELOC’s ensure that students are not just consumers of technology but creators and leaders in the industries shaping the future.

What sets ELOC apart is its ability to connect technology education with environmental leadership. Students in the program explore real issues affecting their own communities, including urban heat islands, air pollution patterns, water quality concerns, and climate impacts on local neighborhoods. Using tools like geographic information systems and digital data platforms, they learn to analyze environmental challenges and develop community-driven solutions. There is a guiding principle behind that work: the people closest to the challenges are often the ones closest to the solutions. By giving students the technical knowledge to analyze environmental data and the leadership skills to advocate for change, ELOC is cultivating the next generation of environmental and technology leaders.

ELOC’s work is gaining increasing recognition across the region. On February 14, 2026, the organization was featured in Westchester Magazine for its efforts to expand access to artificial intelligence and computer science education for young people. The coverage reinforced its growing role as a leader in equitable STEM education and youth leadership development. Since its founding, ELOC has graduated more than 500 students and continues to train over 100 students each year through its environmental leadership initiatives. That is not just a program. It is a pipeline.

For students interested in the HBCU healthcare pathway, the application deadline is March 30, 2026.

BW MARCH 2026 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH (Digital Edition)

AJ Woodson
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BW MARCH 2026 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH (Digital Edition)

Welcome to our 2026 Women’s History Month issue. We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this issue than by celebrating the Life & Legacy of the Legendary Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, to whom we dedicate this issue.

In this issue, we also celebrate Black Women who have shattered glass ceilings over and over and over again. As the Editor-In-Chief of Black Westchester, I wanted to document the stories that highlight the beauty of blackness and the bravery of these natural leaders. Those who shattered glass ceilings dedicated themselves to making their community better and paved the way for both young Black boys and girls, who I especially feel need to read this book. Since we are often inspired by the Black Women who use their voices, positions and platforms to redefine the future while navigating racism, sexism, colorism, classism, ableism, heterosexism and other forms of oppression or “isms,” and still they rise like Maya Angelou said, it was only fitting in this issue that we celebrate African Americans Women who made Her-Story!

Breaking Barriers in Rye: Marion Anderson Makes History as First Black Councilmember

AJ Woodson
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Breaking Barriers in Rye: Marion Anderson Makes History as First Black Councilmember

In a historic moment for the City of Rye, Marion Anderson became the first Black councilmember elected to serve on the Rye City Council, marking a significant step forward for representation in one of Westchester County’s oldest municipalities.

For many residents, Anderson’s election is more than a political milestone—it is a reflection of a changing community and a long-overdue expansion of who has a seat at the table. A lifelong Rye resident born at United Hospital, Anderson is a “proclaimer” who has been active in the community, marking a significant milestone in the city’s history since its settlement in 1660.

Her election has also sparked conversation across Westchester County about the importance of representation at the municipal level—where decisions directly impact daily life, from housing and education to public safety and infrastructure. Anderson’s election reflects both a personal achievement and a broader step forward in diversifying local government in a city where Black representation at the municipal level has long been absent. Supporters say her victory signals progress and a growing commitment to inclusion in local leadership.

“I am honored to serve the residents of Rye and look forward to working together to strengthen our community,” Anderson said following her election. “This moment is bigger than me—it represents opportunity, progress, and the voices of those who have not always been heard.”

Community leaders and residents have praised Anderson’s historic win, noting the importance of representation in shaping policies that reflect the needs of all residents. Her role on the council is expected to bring a fresh perspective to key issues, including housing, education, and community engagement.

Noting Rye was first settled in 1660, and that only recently Westchester County gained its first Black county executive with Ken Jenkins, she said hers was a milestone she was proud to share with Jenkins and that “it’s been a long time coming from both Westchester County and the City of Rye”.

As Anderson took office earlier this year, many saw her historic election not as an endpoint but as the beginning of a new chapter—one in which leadership more fully reflects the diversity, experiences, and voices of the community it serves.

Her victory stands as both a milestone and a message: that barriers can be broken, and that change, while often slow, is always within reach. Her historic appointment stands as a reminder that progress, while long overdue, continues to move forward—one seat at a time.

Tiesha Heath Make History First Female Officer In Elmsford Police Department

AJ Woodson
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Tiesha Heath Make History First Female Officer In Elmsford Police Department

The Village of Elmsford made history on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, by hiring not only their first Black female but their first female Police Officer, Tiesha Heath.

“I had the honor to witness Tiesha TK Heath be sworn in at Elmsford PD. She made Herstory by becoming their first-ever female cop!!! MVPD lost a great officer. I had the pleasure of being her boss for the last 2 years. She is my Trini n my fellow Leo Queen. She is Fierce in a pint size with an even bigger heart. She went from being my co-worker to family, not by blood. I wish you the best in your career. I CAN’T believe they never hired a woman, but I am happy it is you breaking that barrier. Loved how welcoming Elmsford (mayor, city council, fire, EMS, PD, PBA) welcomed you and how immensely happy their PD was. Keep shining, Heath,” shared Krista Mann, who knows a little something about making Herstory. On October 4, 2019, Krista Man became the first Black female Lieutenant of the Mount Vernon Police Department.

Tiesha’s historic hiring in the Village of Elmsford comes 60 years after Rita Gross Nelson became the first woman of color to serve as a patrol cop in Westchester County in 1965. She became the first Black woman to serve as a patrol cop in Yonkers. 60 years later, we are celebrating another first for Black Women in Law Enforcement in Westchester County.

Mayor Robert Williams, Deputy Mayor Sydney Henry, Trustee Joseph Coffey, Trustee Matthew Evans, Trustee Nelson Lopez, Administrator Michael Mills & Tiesha Heath

“Today, we celebrate a historic milestone with the first Black female police officer on the Elmsford Police Department. Her trailblazing spirit, strength, and dedication redefine what it means to serve and protect. As she breaks barriers and paves the way for future generations, she stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, leadership, and progress. Her presence reminds us all that progress is not just a goal but a journey—one that leads to a future where justice, equality, and opportunity are within reach for all,” Westchester Rockland Guardians President. Ret. Sgt. Paul Hood shared with Black Westchester.

Heath joined the Elmsford PD after having spent seven-plus years with the Mount Vernon Police Department. She spent the last three years working in community affairs.

“We have been looking, and when we interviewed Tiesha, we knew right away we found our officer,” added Elmsford Police Department Chief Thomas Proscia.

Heath will be just one of 22 officers that make up the department, a group where openings don’t come around too often.

Police Arrest Man For Aggravated Harassment After Making Threat Against New Rochelle Superintendent

DAMON K JONES
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Police Arrest Man For Aggravated Harassment After Making Threat Against New Rochelle Superintendent

New Rochelle, NY — New Rochelle police have located the individual believed to be responsible for making threats against Superintendent of Schools at the City School District of New Rochelle, Corey W. Reynolds, Ed.D., according to reports from News 12 Westchester. 

On March 17, 2026, New Rochelle Police Detectives informed Black Westchester that they had successfully concluded an investigation into threats made against the New Rochelle Schools Superintendent, resulting in the arrest of Samuel McVey.

Detectives developed sufficient probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant for McVey, charging him with New York State Penal Law Section 240.30 Aggravated Harassment 2nd Degree – A Misdemeanor. Yesterday morning, officers executed the warrant at McVey’s residence, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Following his arrest, the 46-year-old McVey was transported to New Rochelle Police Headquarters and processed. He was later arraigned in New Rochelle City Court, where a temporary order of protection was issued preventing him from going near the Superintendent and any Board of Education building, including all New Rochelle Schools.

In a statement to Black Westchester, the New Rochelle Police Department said they take all threats seriously and work diligently to protect the safety of our community, including school administrators and staff. This arrest demonstrates our commitment to thoroughly investigating and addressing any behavior that endangers public safety.

In early February 2026, the City School District of New Rochelle addressed a threat directed at Superintendent Dr. Reynolds, which led to heightened police presence across multiple schools. and an investigation by the New Rochelle Police Department.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact the New Rochelle PD at (914) 654-2300, or anonymously at (914) 632-COPS.

Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story.

Women’s History Month Spotlight – Joyce Sharrock Cole Makes History As First African-American Ossining Village Historian

AJ Woodson
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Women’s History Month Spotlight – Joyce Sharrock Cole Makes History As First African-American Ossining Village Historian

Joyce Sharrock Cole was appointed to the position of Ossining Village Historian, the afternoon of Tuesday, July 21, 2020, in a small event at Duer’s Circle, the newly upgraded intersection on the west side of Ossining’s historic double arch.

She is the first African American to hold the position. Former historian Dana White resigned to run for a seat on the village Board of Trustees.

“Today was an AWESOME day,” Ossining resident Kemi Pogue shared with Black Westchester, shortly after the appointment. “Shout out to our new Ossining Village Historian Joyce Sharrock Cole! The first African American in this role! Thank you, Dana White, for passing the torch! 

Sharrock Cole currently serves on the Village’s Historic Preservation Commission and is the first African-American to serve as Ossining’s Village Historian.

“It is an honor to be appointed in a position that allows me to share my passion for research and sharing local history with my community,” Sharrock Cole shared with Black Westchester. “This position will afford me the opportunity to highlight the untold histories and contributions of the early minorities of Ossining, as well as capturing, documenting, and preserving the same for residents who immigrated/migrated more recently.

I look forward to collaborating with the community to capture and preserve our unique experiences while navigating through these unprecedented times and cultivating an environment of accessibility and openness to our historical records for review by our community and students.”

The small gathering took place at Duers Corner to highlight recent upgrades to improve pedestrian and driver safety, including two newly unveiled stop signs and ADA ramps at each crosswalk, and to tell the story of its name.

Henry Duers was born into slavery in North Carolina. He ran away and enlisted in the Union Army. As a Civil War veteran, he came to the Village of Sing Sing, where, as Reverend Duers, he founded the Centennial Star of Bethlehem Colored Baptist Church.

In 1919, the New York State legislature passed a law requiring municipalities to appoint a municipal historian. These historians form a network of people charged with preserving the history of their communities. It is the most extensive network in the country.

Joyce Sharrock Cole is a historian, genealogist, writer, curator, and emerging playwright who serves as the appointed Village Historian for the Village of Ossining. Since beginning her public history work in 2017, she has focused on uncovering and sharing the often-overlooked stories that shape our community’s identity.

She is the author of Captured Legacy: Uncovering the Untold Stories of Ossining’s Black Community and the curator of the award-winning Black History & Culture exhibit at Bethany Arts Community. Her creative work also includes historically based plays that use theater to deepen public understanding of local history.

She is the co-founder of the Little Bertie County Genealogical Society of Ossining and the Ossining Juneteenth Council. She serves on the boards of the Westchester County Historical Society, Westchester County African-American Advisory Board, Bethany Arts Community, Historic Hudson Valley’s African American Advisory Board, and the Historic Jug Tavern.

Her work has earned recognition from the New York State Governor, U.S. Congress, and other state and local institutions for her contributions to community memory, historical research, and cultural preservation.

Black Westchester salutes Joyce Sharrock Cole for making history and congratulates her as the new Ossining Village Historian.

Excerpt from the book, “Black Westchester Celebrates Black Women Of Westchester,” available on Amazon or email BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com to purchase your autographed copies.

Black Boys in Class — The Struggle to Succeed in 2026 By Dennis Richmond, Jr.

Dennis Richmond Jr
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Black Boys in Class — The Struggle to Succeed in 2026 By Dennis Richmond, Jr.

In 2026, the American classroom looks very different from the one many adults remember. Screens glow where notebooks used to sit. Artificial intelligence helps with homework. Phones buzz in pockets every few minutes. And in the middle of all of this change sits a group of students who have always carried the weight of the system on their backs: Black boys.

Across the country, data continues to show that Black male students face some of the toughest challenges in education. According to recent education reports, Black students are disciplined at higher rates than their peers, even when behavior is similar, and Black boys in particular are overrepresented in suspensions and expulsions compared with their share of enrollment. 

That reality shapes how many of them experience school long before they even reach high school.

At the same time, academic gaps remain. Studies show that Black students are less likely to meet grade-level standards in reading and math compared with white students, a gap that has not closed in decades. 

Graduation rates for Black male students in several major cities still trail behind other groups, showing that the problem is not just about one classroom or one district, but about a national pattern. 

But 2026 adds a new layer to the story. Today’s students belong to Generation Z and Generation Alpha, and their relationship with school is different from any generation before them. Surveys show that many Gen Z students feel pressure about the future, struggle with focus, and are less interested in reading than past generations. 

Teachers see this every day. Attention spans are shorter. Motivation comes and goes. And for boys — especially Black boys — school can sometimes feel like a place where they are corrected more often than they are encouraged.

National test scores tell a similar story. Recent results from the Nation’s Report Card show declines in reading and math performance, with struggling students falling even further behind than before the pandemic. 

When schools fall behind, the students who were already at risk usually feel it first.

Yet inside classrooms, the picture is not only negative. Many Black boys today are creative, outspoken, funny, and deeply aware of the world around them. They talk about politics, social media, money, and identity in ways that previous generations did not at their age. They want success, but they also want school to feel real.

The challenge for education in 2026 is not simply raising test scores. It is figuring out how to reach a generation that grew up online, while making sure that the students who have historically been left behind — especially Black boys — are not left behind again.

If the classroom is going to work for the future, it has to work for them.

Standing on Her Shoulders – The Enduring Legacy of Dr. Hazel Dukes

AJ Woodson
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Standing on Her Shoulders – The Enduring Legacy of Dr. Hazel Dukes

Honoring The Late Dr. Hazel Dukes: A Lifetime Fighting for Justice, A Legacy That Lives On

Today, for Women’s History Month, we celebrate Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, born March 17, 1932, and passed March 1, 2025, sixteen days before her 93rd birthday. She would have been 94 today. Dr. Dukes was the epitome of activism and advocacy. All of us who do the work are standing on her strong shoulders. A legacy of leadership, activism, and community power was her lifelong work and an example for us all to strive for.

Dr. Dukes was both the president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People‘s (NAACP) New York State chapter and its national president. Dr. Dukes was a significant civil rights activist whose influence went well beyond her work with the NAACP. She was the first Black citizen to administer a governor’s oath, a “Queen Mother” of advocacy, a trailblazing political strategist, and an advocate for educational equity.

Often known as “Ma” or the “Matriarch of the Civil Rights Movement” by those close to her, Dr. Dukes played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. Over the course of her seven decades in leadership, she emerged as a leading advocate for political empowerment, education, and racial fairness. She was a powerful figure in Democratic politics and a trusted counselor to several New York governors, including Mario Cuomo, Andrew Cuomo, and Kathy Hochul, as well as NYC’s first African American Mayor, David Dinkins. Additionally, she endorsed Shirley Chisholm in 1972 and played a significant role in promoting the election of Black women to high office, including Kamala Harris.

She was a Champion of Education & Social Justice. Dr. Dukes was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to the “Head Start” program and spent decades advocating for education reform, affordable housing, and environmental justice. She dedicated her life and spent decades fighting against housing discrimination and for expanded voting access, particularly in New York and her native Alabama.

She achieved many historical and trailblazing firsts:

First Layperson to Swear in a New York Governor: In January 2023, Dr. Dukes made history as the first layperson in the United States to administer the oath of office to a governor, specifically Governor Kathy Hochul.

First Black Person in the Nassau County Attorney’s Office: She broke a significant racial barrier in 1966 when she became the first Black employee hired by the Nassau County Attorney’s Office, where she focused on housing and foster care cases. She later led the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation.

First Black Vice Chair of the Nassau County Democratic Committee: Dr. Dukes was the first Black woman to serve in this leadership position.

One of Few Women to Serve as National NAACP President: She was only the second woman to serve as the national president of the NAACP (1989–1992), a role she held while also being a member of the National Board of Directors

In 2023, the NAACP awarded its highest honor, the 108th Spingarn Medal, to Dr. Hazel N. Dukes in recognition of her seven decades of transformative civil rights leadership.

“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to be included among this distinguished list of Spingarn medalists,” said Dr. Hazel N. Dukes after receiving the Spingarn Medal. “This medal serves as a recognition of my life’s work and reflects on those who have walked with me over the past 70 years. To know my name is etched in NAACP history and American history alongside the civil rights legends who came before me is a humbling honor. These 70 years have not been easy; they have been filled with pain, hardships, and tribulations. But the struggles of those who paved the way serve as a powerful reminder that we must take bold steps to confront racism and tirelessly advocate for civil rights. We must continue fighting the good fight. Throughout my time as an NAACP leader, my greatest privilege has been to mentor those growing up in the Association. I hope my legacy leaves a roadmap for younger generations to learn from and use as they carry this movement forward.”

The Medal was presented during the Spingarn Freedom Fund Awards Dinner, where Secretary Clinton commended Dr. Dukes for her many decades of service to the people of New York and dedication to bettering the lives of Black Americans across the country. 

An honorary street, “Dr. Hazel Dukes Way,” was dedicated in Roslyn Heights, NY, on March 18, 2023. The street, formerly known as Edwards Street (or Edwards Avenue), is located by the Roslyn Gardens apartment complex. This location is deeply significant because Dr. Dukes was instrumental in integrating the complex when she became its first Black resident in the 1950s. While living there, she fought against housing discrimination and helped elect the first Black member of the Roslyn school board. During the dedication ceremony, which took place the day after her 91st birthday, she referred to the neighborhood as “home”.

Dr. Dukes received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, and completed post-graduate work at Queens College. In 1990, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the City University of New York Law School at Queens College, and in 2009, was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn, New York. In 2012, she was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem, New York.

Into her 90s, she remained on the frontlines, whether protesting police brutality or pushing for better health care in underserved neighborhoods. Despite her many titles and distinctions, she often described herself simply as a servant of the people. “…if I can help somebody as I pass along; then my living shall not have been in vain.” Words we could all afford to live by.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Dr. Hazel Dukes!

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