Hazel Dukes, Pioneering Civil Rights Leader and NAACP NY President, Dies at 92

Dukes dedicated over seven decades to fighting for racial justice and equity, leaving a profound legacy in New York and beyond.

Hazel Dukes passed away at her home in Harlem on Saturday morning at the age of 92, according to close associates.
She served as president of the NAACP New York State Conference and briefly led the national NAACP in the early 1990s.
Dukes was instrumental in combating racial inequities, including advocating for voting rights, addressing housing discrimination, and improving public school funding.
Local leaders and public figures, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, praised Dukes for her lifelong dedication to justice and her impact on New York's political and civil rights landscape.
Her contributions were honored in 2023 when a street in Roslyn Heights was renamed 'Dr. Hazel Dukes Way,' recognizing her enduring influence.