By Sejal GovindaraoThe Related Press
Hazel Dukes, the president of the New York State chapter of the NAACP and lifelong civil rights advocate, died March 1 on the age of 92.
Dukes peacefully handed away in her New York Metropolis residence surrounded by household, her son, Ronald Dukes, stated in a press release.
Dukes, who led the New York State NAACP for practically 5 a long time, fought tirelessly for voting rights, financial growth, truthful housing and training all through her profession. Even in her 90s, she spoke out in opposition to police brutality and for satisfactory well being care in underserved neighborhoods, the NAACP’s New York State chapter stated in a press release.
In 2023, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton introduced Dukes with the NAACP’s highest honor — the Spingarn Medal.
“I’m not drained but,” Dukes stated in her acceptance speech for the award. She added that she would proceed her advocacy and empower the subsequent era of NAACP leaders.
Dukes helped lay the inspiration for Black ladies to ascend to the nation’s highest places of work. In 1972, she took the stage on the Democratic Nationwide Conference to second the presidential candidacy of Shirley Chisholm, the primary Black girl to run for the get together’s nomination.
Dukes was instrumental in former President Joe Biden’s choice to decide on a Black girl as his 2020 working mate, she famous in an interview with CBS final 12 months. Her career-long combat was bookended by former Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 bid for the presidency.
In a put up on X March 1, Harris referred to as Dukes one of many heroes “upon whose broad shoulders we stand.”
“I’m simply pleased with Kamala. I’m simply excited if I can stay to see this occur. It could be the enjoyment of my life,” Dukes stated within the CBS interview.
Dukes was the president of her personal consulting agency. She additionally served as a member of the NAACP Nationwide Board of Administrators. Leaders of the NAACP stated in a press release March 1 that Dukes was a “dwelling embodiment” of the NAACP and that her legacy has touched each facet of the motion.
