Hazel Dukes, civil rights leader, dies at 92
Hazel Dukes, civil rights leader, dies at 92
Former President of the NAACP and Civil Rights "giant," Hazel Dukes died at the age of 92 on Saturday, according to Dukes' family.
NEW YORK - Hazel Dukes, former president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, died at the age of 92 on Saturday.
According to her family, she died peacefully at her home in Harlem, New York City.
Dukes was famously known as a crusader for civil rights and a stalwart leader throughout the state.
Boston, MA - July 27: At the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a civil rights activist and longtime NAACP officer, will receive the Spingarn Medal at this year's NAACP National Convention. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Dukes moved to New York City with her parents in 1955, where she continued her education at Nassau Community College, majoring in Business Administration.
In 1989, she became the national president of the NAACP, serving in this role until 1992.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 26: Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, speaks during a press conference announcing State Senator Brian Benjamin as her Lt. Governor o
Dukes was also appointed president of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation (NYCOTB) in 1990 by then-Mayor David Dinkins.
Her involvement with NYCOTB began 25 years earlier, where she had worked in social services. However, in 1997, Dukes pleaded guilty to attempted grand larceny, admitting to stealing $13,000 from a disabled worker whose credit union account she managed.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 06: Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and President of National Action Network, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Mayo
In addition to her leadership in the civil rights movement, Dukes worked for President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Head Start" program in the 1960s and became the first Black American to work at the Nassau County Attorney's Office in 1966.
New York State Senator and Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton (right) with Hazel Dukes, Presidnet of the New York NAACP during the SEIU 32BJ Celebration Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at the Manhattan Center on Januar
She also served as a community organizer for the Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County and worked to combat housing discrimination while living in Roslyn, Long Island.
UNITED STATES - APRIL 10: Hazel Dukes (center) and other members of the NAACP protest outside the "Today" show studios in Rockefeller Plaza, where radio host Don Imus appeared. Imus called players on the Rutgers University women's basketball team "na
Her son, Ronald Dukes, issued a statement: "It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes at 92 years of age. Mom departed this life peacefully on the morning of March 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Mom was a committed civil rights leader in New York City and the nation and worked tirelessly on the frontlines almost to the end. We find comfort in knowing that while she’s no longer with us physically, she is resting in the bosom of Jesus. Funeral service details will be forthcoming. Kindly keep our family in your prayers."
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Dukes
New York Governor Kathy Hochul says she was "I was with Hazel Dukes at her bedside during her final days," in a post on X saying that Dukes' contributions to the state and country will endure long after her passing.
American General Colin Powell (center) is presented with the NAACP 1991 Spingarn Award, the organizations highest award of honor, at the NAACP annual national convention in Houston. Presenting the award are Executive Director Benjamin Hooks (left), C
NYC Mayor Eric Adams
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also shared his condolences saying that for more than four decades she was an "unwavering presence," in his life.
NY AG Letitia James
New York AG Letitia James shared her thoughts ons Dukes' passing saying that "another giant has gone on to rest."