NAACP Legend and Freedom Fighter – Honorable Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes Passes

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By April Ryan, NNPA
“She was a warrior in the truest sense of the word and activist extraordinaire.”  Those words are from Reverend Al Sharpton, who is celebrating the life and activism of the iconic Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, civil rights activist and leader within the ranks of the New York and National Board of the NAACP. Dukes 92 passed away this past weekend in New York. 
Just two weeks ago, Dukes was wheelchair bound and present to perform her duty as NAACP Election Supervisory Chair certifying the elections of the rights groups’ board members. Dr. Ben Chavis, elected in 1993, was the 7th Executive Director and CEO of the NAACP and spoke on the life of Dukes saying, “The transformative leadership legacy of freedom fighter Hazel Dukes will now be enshrined with the greatest honor and respect as a leader of the NAACP in America and throughout the world.” Earlier this week the Chair of the Board of the NAACP Leon W. Russell told Black Press USA that Dr. Dukes led the NAACP New York Conference for 50 years acknowledging, “Her work has helped ensure that the 116-year-old NAACP could remain relevant and continue its work throughout the years. She has been consistent in her work and her support as a member and a leader.”

Sharpton, who has known her for almost 50 years since he was a teen said, “There never was an issue that she was not out front. We’ve gone to jail together and the White House together.” Sharpton expects to offer comments at Duke’s funeral service. He recalls she was “authentic, committed, and concerned,” The civil rights leader and TV host also says, “We will never have another Hazel Dukes. But thank God we had this one.”
Statement: –
Honorable
Charles B. Rangel
We all know it’s coming, but we never really seem prepared for it. This is especially so for our beloved Hazel Dukes, who seemed to have energy that none of us could even understand. What an exciting, lively woman that spread her life all over the country, and indeed the world. She covered so many fields in her life, but the one that she was most admired for was her fight for civil rights. I recall when the Gang of Four—Oh, pardon me, I meant to say the Gang of Five – was at its highest; Hazel, the fifth member, was right there with us. 
So, as we will never be able to say goodbye to what she has brought us, we do have to recognize that each of us has at least a part of Dr. Duke’s energy. Each of us can do just a little more. We have made tremendous gains from the slavery that chained us and brought us over to this country. But we all know that we have so far to go under the circumstances that face us. 
Be like me, thank God for Hazel and the fact that God allowed us to enjoy her humor and her hard work, but promise that we too shall try to do more. We will miss her; I will miss her; but let us concentrate on thanking God for her.
Honorable
Charles B. Rangel
US Congressman,
1971 – 2017
Statement:
The NAACP (Natl)
Colleagues, it is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of sadness that I inform you of that our sister, Momma Dukes, went to be with the ancestors at 6:20 AM today. Her transition was officially recorded and announced at 6:38 AM. Please lift her up in prayer and continue to pray for her son Ronald and all of her extended family.  
It is always hard to send a message like this but as Hazel would say, she is in God’s hands now.  
Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference and Member of the NAACP National Board of Directors was bold and courageous. She was a true warrior for civil rights and social justice.  Her voice and her influence at our table will be missed, but we will all continue to be influenced by that same voice as we continue to fight for that same cause. Hazel was one of the giants on whose shoulders we will continue to stand as we continue to do God’s work here on Earth.
May our sister Hazel rest in
power.
With a heavy heart.
Leon W. Russell
Chairman
NAACP National
Board of Directors
Statement
NAACP New York
State Conference:
Long-time civil rights activist, public servant and president of the NAACP New York State Conference, Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes died today at her New York City home at the age of 92, with her family by her side. She is survived by her son Ronald Dukes and daughter-in-law Janet Dukes and leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy to the many lives that she touched.
An outspoken advocate for voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and quality education for all, Dukes dedicated more than seven decades advocating for racial diversity, equity, inclusion, and long-lasting social change. She served as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and presided over the NAACP New York State Conference since 1977. In 1989, she was elected national president of the NAACP–one of the few women ever to lead the historic civil rights organization. Into her 90s, she remained on the frontlines, whether protesting police brutality or pushing for better health care in underserved neighborhoods.
Dr. Dukes is the recipient of numerous honors and awards for her many years of commitment to justice and activism including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Candace Award for community service, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for patriotism and philanthropy, and the NAACP 108th Spingarn Medal–the highest or noblest achievement by a living African American in any honorable field. In January 2023 Dr. Dukes made history by becoming the first layperson in the United States of America to administer the oath of the office to a governor.  
Dukes was also a successful entrepreneur and President and founder of Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Consultant Firm and a member of numerous civic organizations including NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc. and the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. 
Despite her many titles and distinctions, she often described herself simply as a servant of the people. “…if I can help somebody as I pass along; then my living shall not have been in vain.”

Statement:
NAACP
Mid-Manhattan
Branch
It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a trailblazing leader, civil rights icon, longtime President of the NAACP New York State Conference, and a revered and Diamond Life member of the NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch. Dr. Dukes dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice, tirelessly advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and uplifting the mission of the NAACP for decades.
As a fearless champion for equity and equality, Dr. Duke’s unwavering commitment to civil rights shaped policy, empowered countless individuals, and strengthened our collective fight against injustice. Her leadership, wisdom, and passion left an indelible mark on our organization and the communities she so selflessly served.
While we mourn this profound loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Dukes. We, at the Mid-Manhattan Branch, will remain steadfast in our commitment to the ideals she fought for so valiantly, and her work will continue to inspire future generations to come.
In unity and remembrance,
Kyndell A. Reid, Esq.
President
NAACP
Mid-Manhattan Branch

Statement:
Greater New York
Chapter, The Links, Inc.
“We are deeply saddened by Dr. Hazel Duke’s passing. She was a force, and a champion for justice and educational equity. It often feels like Dr. Dukes belonged to all of us, but the Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has a special place in our hearts for her. She was a part of the powerful and impactful civil rights duo with the beloved Dr. Marcella Maxwell, Platinum Member of the Greater,”said DeNora Getachew, President, Greater New York (NY) Chapter of The Links, Inc.