The Former NAACP President and Civil Rights Activist Leaves Behind a Legacy of Tireless Advocacy and Service
Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, a pioneering civil rights activist and former president of the NAACP, passed away on March 1, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, she became a prominent figure in New York City, dedicating her life to social justice and equality. Dukes served as the national president of the NAACP and later led the organization’s New York chapter, leaving an indelible mark on the fight for civil rights.
A Life Dedicated to Social Justice
Dukes’ upbringing in the segregated South deeply influenced her commitment to activism. She spent decades championing civil rights, often speaking at press conferences and advocating for marginalized communities. Even in her later years, she remained an outspoken leader, mentoring younger activists, including author and activist Tamika Mallory.
Heartfelt Tributes from Leaders and Family
Her passing was met with an outpouring of grief from national leaders. The Rev. Al Sharpton, who had known Dukes for over 40 years, expressed his sorrow: “She made a difference, and we will forever be indebted to her. We will never have another Hazel Dukes, but I am grateful that we had this one.” Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo also mourned her loss.
Her son, Ronald Dukes, confirmed her passing in a heartfelt statement: “Mom departed this life peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was a committed civil rights leader in New York City and the nation and worked tirelessly almost to the end. We take comfort in knowing she is at peace.”
Influence Beyond the NAACP: Breaking Barriers in Politics
Dukes was deeply involved in numerous civic and social organizations. She was a former chapter president of the Metro-Manhattan Chapter of The Links, Inc., a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and an active participant in the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
In 2023, Dukes made history as the first layperson in the United States to administer the oath of office to a governor when she swore in New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Dr. Dukes often reflected on her purpose, once stating, “If I can help somebody as I pass along; then my living shall not have been in vain.” Her decades of advocacy, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice ensure that her legacy will endure for generations to come.
