Dr. Hazel Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference and a formidable civil rights activist, passed away at age 92 on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Following a period of illness, she died peacefully with family members at her bedside, according to an announcement from her son Ronald Dukes.
Legacy of leadership and historic firsts
Throughout her extensive career, Dukes shattered barriers and collected numerous accolades for her civil rights advocacy. Perhaps most notably, she made history as the first civilian in the United States to administer the oath of office to a governor when she swore in Kathy Hochul as New York’s first female governor—an achievement she particularly cherished.
Dukes served as the national president of the NAACP from 1989 to 1992, cementing her position as one of the most influential civil rights advocates in the country. At the time of her passing, she continued to lead the organization’s New York State Conference while serving on its National Board of Directors.
Despite her significant political influence, Dukes preferred operating behind the scenes in New York and national politics. Colleagues noted her consistent refusal to run for office herself, instead focusing on coalition building and mentoring the next generation of activists.
Early influences and education
Born on March 17, 1932, in Montgomery, Alabama, Dukes’ early life was shaped by a family deeply connected to the struggle for equality. As the only child of Edward and Alice Dukes, she grew up in the Graetz neighborhood, later known as the former home of Rosa Parks. Her father worked as a Pullman porter and was actively involved in the first all-Black railroad union organized by civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph.
With education valued on both sides of her family, Dukes initially enrolled at Alabama State Teachers College in 1949 with aspirations of becoming a teacher. When her family relocated to New York in 1955, she attended Nassau Community College on Long Island, where she first engaged with tenant and community organizing through the Economic Opportunity Commission.
She continued her education while working, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University in 1978 and completing post-graduate studies at Queens College.
Professional achievements and controversies
Dukes’ career was marked by significant achievements and occasional controversy. In the 1960s, she joined President Lyndon Johnson’s Head Start early childhood education program. Her breakthrough came in 1966 when she became the first Black person appointed to the Nassau County Attorney’s Office, breaking an important racial barrier.
In 1990, she was named president of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation. However, this period also included legal troubles when she pleaded guilty to attempted grand larceny in 1997, admitting to taking $13,000 from a disabled NYCOTB worker’s credit union account. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani publicly criticized her management, claiming the organization lost money under her leadership.
Recognition across decades
The respect Dukes commanded was reflected in numerous honors throughout her lifetime. She received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the YWCA City of New York John La Farge Memorial Award for Interracial Justice, and the Guy R. Brewer Humanitarian Award. In 2007, she was named among The Network Journal’s 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business.
Recent recognitions included receiving the key to New York City from former Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2020 and being honored at the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce 125th Anniversary Gala in 2023. A physical testament to her impact exists in the plaque installed on 137th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard in Harlem in 2019, and in the street renamed “Dr. Hazel Dukes Way” in Roslyn Heights, where she once lived.
Community organizing roots
While her national profile rose through NAACP leadership, Dukes’ commitment to grassroots organizing remained consistent throughout her career. After settling in New York, she became involved with tenant and community organizing on Long Island, establishing patterns of advocacy that would define her approach to civil rights work.
Her efforts extended beyond organizational leadership to include practical advocacy for voting rights, educational opportunity, and dismantling systemic racism. Often described as a Harlem legend, she worked tirelessly for equality while maintaining deep connections to the communities she served.
Continuing influence
As funeral arrangements are prepared, civil rights organizations, political leaders, and community members are expected to commemorate Dukes’ extraordinary life and contributions. Her resilience in the face of both personal and professional challenges demonstrated an unwavering dedication to justice that spanned more than half a century.
The impact of Dukes’ advocacy extends through the many leaders she mentored and the institutional changes she helped create, ensuring her influence will continue long after her passing. Her life’s work stands as a powerful reminder of both progress made and the ongoing commitment required to advance equality in American society.
