Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, a famend civil rights activist and president of the NAACP New York State Convention, handed away on Saturday, March 1. She was 92.
Her son Ronald Dukes confirmed his mom’s passing in an official assertion obtained by NBC New York.
“It’s with profound unhappiness that I announce the passing of my mom, Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes at 92 years of age,” Ronald mentioned in a press release.
“Mother departed this life peacefully on the morning of March 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving household. Mother was a dedicated civil rights chief in New York Metropolis and the nation and labored tirelessly on the frontlines virtually to the top,” his assertion continued. “We discover consolation in understanding that whereas she’s now not with us bodily however resting within the bosom of Jesus.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul additionally paid tribute to Dukes, whom she known as “mom on Earth.” At Hochul’s swearing-in, Dukes grew to become the primary civilian in U.S. historical past to manage the oath of workplace to a governor in 2023.
“I used to be with Hazel Dukes at her bedside throughout her ultimate days. She known as me her daughter. Meaning the world to me,” mentioned Hochul.
In tribute to Dukes, Mayor Adams ordered flags on all metropolis buildings to be lowered to half-staff.
“For over 40 years, Ma Dukes has been an unwavering presence in my life — a trusted advisor, a cherished pal, and a guiding mild throughout a few of my most difficult occasions,” Adams mentioned. “I’ll bear in mind Ma Dukes for her outstanding means to deliver folks collectively.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, on March 17, 1932, Dukes was the one baby of Edward and Alice Dukes., She entered Alabama State Lecturers School (Now Alabama State School) in 1949. After relocating to New York Metropolis along with her dad and mom in 1955, she studied Enterprise Administration at Nassau Neighborhood School.
Within the Nineteen Sixties, Dukes labored on the “Head Begin” program throughout President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration. In 1966, she grew to become the primary African American to work on the Nassau County Lawyer’s Workplace. She was additionally a neighborhood organizer for the Nassau County Financial Alternative Fee (EOC), educating youngsters who lived in poverty.
Duke graduated from Adelphi College in 1978 with a bachelor’s diploma.
From 1989 to 1992, Dukes was the nationwide president of the NAACP and the New York Metropolis Off-Observe Betting Company (NYCOTB).
Over the course of her profession, Dukes was honored by the Nationwide Coalition of 100 Black Ladies, the Ladies’s Black Agenda, Congressional Black Caucus Basis, the New York State Affiliation of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, and the New York State Senate.
On Thursday (Feb.27), The Rev. Al Sharpton had described Dukes as “true pal.”
“She was a pressure of nature for justice and an activist of the best order,” Sharpton mentioned in a press release. “She made a distinction, and we are going to without end be indebted to her.”
We at EBONY provide our prayers and deepest condolences to the household and buddies of Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes.
