Hazel Dukes, the president of the New York State chapter of the NAACP and a lifelong civil rights advocate, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 in her New York City home surrounded by family. Dukes dedicated nearly five decades to fighting for voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and education. She continued her advocacy work into her 90s, speaking out against police brutality and for adequate health care in underserved neighborhoods. In 2023, she was awarded the NAACP’s highest honor, the Spingarn Medal, by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Dukes played a significant role in paving the way for Black women to ascend to the nation’s highest offices, seconding Shirley Chisholm’s presidential candidacy in 1972 and supporting Kamala Harris’ bid for the presidency in 2024. Dukes’ impact on the civil rights movement was profound, and she was hailed as a hero by Vice President Harris. She also ran her own consulting firm and served on the NAACP National Board of Directors. The NAACP leaders described Dukes as a “living embodiment” of the organization, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams ordered flags to be lowered at half-staff in her honor. Hazel Dukes leaves behind a lasting legacy that has touched every aspect of the civil rights movement.
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