Dr. Hazel Dukes, Civil Rights Leader and Longtime NAACP Advocate, Dies at 92
Dr. Hazel Dukes, a Harlem resident and civil rights leader, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 92. Surrounded by family in her Harlem apartment, Dukes leaves behind a legacy of tireless advocacy for voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and education.
Born on March 17, 1932 in Montgomery, Alabama, Dukes moved to New York in 1955 and dedicated her life to civil rights. She played a pivotal role in the NAACP, serving as the longtime president of the New York State Conference and holding a position on the organization’s national board of directors. She also ran her own consulting firm, further extending her influence in policy and community organizing.
Throughout her career, Dukes was a forceful advocate, unafraid to speak out against injustices such as police brutality, remaining active in the fight for equality well into her nineties. She became a mentor to many in New York politics, forming strong ties with leaders such as former Mayor David Dinkins and current Mayor Eric Adams. Her impact was widely recognized, earning her prestigious honors, including the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal, the Empire State and Nation Builder Award, and the Candace Award for Community Service from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
Dukes initially aspired to become a teacher but found her calling in activism. She began her career working with the Head Start program in the 1960s and became the first Black woman to work at the Nassau County Attorney’s Office in 1966. She later served as a community organizer for the Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County.
In 1977, Dukes took on the leadership of the NAACP New York State Conference, a position she would hold until her passing. From 1990 to 1992, she also served as president of the national NAACP, amplifying her voice on a national stage. Additionally, she was a member of the Democratic National Committee from 1976 to 1982, shaping policies that impacted countless lives.
Dukes’ work extended beyond advocacy—she held key roles in local government, including serving as president of New York’s Off-Track Betting Corporation (OTB) under Mayor Dinkins. However, in 1997, she faced legal trouble after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor embezzlement charge involving $13,000 from a former OTB employee over whom she had power of attorney. She repaid the money and continued her lifelong work in civil rights.
A powerful voice for justice, Dukes once told Spectrum News, “I’ve never been a meek, mild woman. And my daddy’s child. You mess with me, I got you with my mouth.” Her fearless spirit and unwavering dedication to equality cemented her as a true champion of civil rights.
Dukes is survived by a community she inspired, mentored, and uplifted. Her contributions to the fight for justice will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Dukes memorial service includes a wake that will be held on Tuesday, March 11th, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at Mother AME Zion Church, located at 140 West 137th Street, New York, NY 10030. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, March 12th, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the same location.
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