NEW YORK – Today, 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 also 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.
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.
“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 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.”
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. A full interview from the 114th National Convention can be found below.
A daughter of the South turned Harlem legacy, Hazel 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 migrated 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 began her leadership at the NAACP in the 1990s and has been a leading voice in the organization for nearly 40 years, but her list of accomplishments runs long. Most recently, she was given the key to the city by former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2020 and made history by becoming the first civilian person in the United States to administer the oath of office to a governor – Kathy Hochul.
Since the announcement of her passing, Black Westchester has reached out to local chapters for quotes, reactions, words of condolences, and memories in honor of the late civil rights icon.
“Today, the Country is better because Hazel Nell Dukes passed through this space. Truly a faint amount, mankind. On a personal note, I have worked directly with and for her for more years than I can remember. While everything about her was fearless, it is her loyalty to the NAACP and me that was up front and center. Dr. Hazel will truly be missed in so many ways. There is a great day of sadness hovering over the New York NAACP State Conference. But Joy will come In The morning!!!!!!” Wilbur T. Aldridge, Mid-Hudson/Wesrchester NAACP Regional Director
“It is with profound sorrow that the Mount Vernon NAACP mourns the passing of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a trailblazing civil rights leader, mentor, and fearless advocate for justice. Dr. Dukes dedicated her life to the fight for equality, tirelessly working to uplift marginalized communities and ensure that the principles of justice and fairness were upheld for all. Her impact on the NAACP, both in New York and nationwide, is immeasurable. As a former national president and longtime leader of the New York State Conference, she paved the way for countless activists and inspired generations to continue the struggle for civil rights. Her unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment has left an indelible mark on our communities. Dr. Dukes was more than a leader—she was a beacon of strength, wisdom, and perseverance. Her voice, always passionate and resolute, reminded us of our collective responsibility to fight for what is right. The Mount Vernon NAACP extends our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her extraordinary legacy. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit and mission will live on through the work we continue in her honor. Rest in power, Dr. Dukes. Your legacy will never be forgotten,” Kathie Brewington, President of Mount Vernon Chapter of NAACP.
“New Rochelle Branch NAACP joins the multitudes of people mourning the loss of our beloved NAACP New York State Conference Chair, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes. Dr. Dukes devoted her life to the fight for justice and civil rights, and she has had a tremendous impact on this world. We are proud to continue her legacy and send condolences to all who loved her,” Asisha Cook, President of New Rochelle Chapter of NAACP.
“Dr. Hazel N. Dukes blazed many trails in her iconic journey through life. She led with fierce focus and an unwavering dedication to equality for her community. As we say, she fought the good fight, all the way until her earthly end. Now we have her life’s work to use as a template and an angelic light amongst the ancestors to guide us. It’s because of her dedication and so many greats like her, that I am confident that we’ll take the baton, we’ve got it from here. Rest peacefully, thy good and faithful servant leader and soldier in our ongoing struggle.” – James J. Henderson III (President, Port Chester-Rye NAACP)
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Dukes and all who were impacted by her life and legacy. She will forever be remembered by the Officers, Members, and Friends of the Yonkers NAACP Unit #2188. May she rest in eternal peace,” Kisha D. Skipper, Yonkers NAACP
“We are truly losing our giants in this realm. I will never forget attending my first Mid-Year Conference as a new Eastern Star and hearing Dr. Hazel Dukes speak. She passionately challenged the audience to support the NAACP, driving home the point that whenever Black people face injustice, the NAACP is always there. This was in the wake of Trayvon Martin’s murder, and I remember sitting in that audience feeling like I had to do more than just purchase a membership—she ignited something in me. That spark led to the reactivation of the Ossining NAACP. It was the moment I could truly say I am an activist. Dr. Dukes lit a fire under me, just as she has done for so many others. Queen Mother, Ancestor Dr. Hazel Dukes—Rest in Power. The struggle continues… It took me a minute to understand that line when I first stepped into this work, but it didn’t take long to overstand exactly what she meant. Deepest Condolences,” Diana E. Lemon, Past President, NAACP Branch 2169-B, Ossining, New York, shared on Facebook.
“Today we lost Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NYS NAACP Conference. She was my Boss and mentor when I served as the Branch President of the COOP City NAACP Branch. Dr Dukes was our reach-out-and-touch leader who took time to teach, direct, and love during challenging times in Civil Rights. I’ve learned so much while serving as a Branch President. We Lost a Giant in Civil Rights,“ Jerome L. Rice, Past Branch President at N.A.A.C.P CO-OP City 2210.
Stay tuned for further updates as more reactions from local branches come in. Also, look out for an upcoming post with members of the community celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Dukes. If you would like to share a BRIEF quote, comment, or memory as well, and any pics of you and Dr. Dukes, please send them to BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com with Dr. Hazel Dukes in the subject over the next few days. Thank you. Feel free to leave feedback in the comment section below as well.
The city & community of New York will truly miss our civil rights trailblazer Dr. Hazel N. Dukes. For seven decades she was our leader in the fight for civil equal, voting, education, and housing rights. As the president of the New York chapter of NAACP Dr. Dukes was respected by everyone from governor’s, mayor’s, to presidential candidates. We lost our civil rights champion, and my hope is her life long’s work will inspire the next Dr. Hazel N. Dukes.
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