Dr. Hazel N. Dukes as proven in 2023.
Photograph by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe by way of Getty Photos
Dr. Hazel Dukes, a towering champion of civil rights in New York who devoted greater than seven a long time to advancing racial variety, fairness, and inclusion, died on Saturday on the age of 92.
An unyielding dedication to justice outlined her life’s work. She understood that actual change required linking enterprise, authorities, and social causes, making certain that civil rights weren’t merely a dialogue however an actionable agenda.
Public officers and group leaders mourned her passing, remembering her as a fearless advocate who formed generations of management.
Mayor Eric Adams honored “Ma” Dukes as a “trusted advisor, a cherished friend, and a guiding light during some of my most challenging times.”
“I will remember Ma Dukes for her remarkable ability to bring people together,” stated Adams. “Whether in times of crisis or celebration, she could fill a room with her commanding presence yet make everyone feel heard and valued. Her wisdom, compassion, and straight-talking spirit made her a mother figure not just to me, but to several generations of leaders and community members throughout our city who were her ‘children.’”
In tribute to her lifetime of service, Mayor Adams ordered all metropolis buildings’ flags to be lowered to half-mast.
Gov. Kathy Hochul stated she was at Dukes’ beside “during her final days.” Dukes administered the oath of workplace to Hochul throughout her January 2023 inauguration.
Gov. Kathy Hochul with Dr. Hazel Dukes after Dukes administered the oath of workplace to her throughout her Jan. 1, 2023 inauguration ceremony.Mike Groll/Workplace of Governor Kathy Hochul
“She called me her daughter. That means the world to me,” Hochul stated in a tribute posted on X (previously Twitter). “Her contributions to making our state and our country more just, more equitable and more fair are impacts that will long endure after her passing.”
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo known as Dukes “a great pioneer and warrior for social and racial justice,” including that “America has lost one of the greats.”
State Senate Majority Chief Andrea Stewart-Cousins emphasised the depth of her affect on the Empire State:
“Her leadership, integrity, and steadfast commitment to advancing civil rights have left an indelible mark on both New York State and the nation,” Stewart-Cousins stated. “Hazel’s legacy is one of inspiration and will continue to guide and motivate us as we work toward a more just and equitable society.”
Reverend Al Sharpton, a longtime buddy and fellow activist with Dukes as a part of the Nationwide Motion Community, mirrored on their shared journey.
“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my true friend, sister, and friend for more than 40 years, Hazel Dukes,” Sharpton stated. “She was a force of nature for justice and an activist of the highest order. She made a difference, and we will forever be indebted to her. I spoke to her by phone just two days ago. We will never have another Hazel Dukes, but I am grateful that we had this one.”
Born Hazel Nell Dukes on March 17, 1932, in Montgomery, AL, she initially aspired to grow to be a trainer. She enrolled at Alabama State Academics School in 1949 earlier than relocating to New York Metropolis together with her dad and mom in 1955, setting the stage for her lifelong advocacy.
Dukes earned a bachelor’s diploma in Enterprise Administration from Adelphi College in Backyard Metropolis, LI, later finishing postgraduate research at Queens School. Her training laid the inspiration for a profession that will bridge activism, politics, and coverage.
Her affiliations mirrored the breadth of her affect. Dukes was the previous President of the Metro-Manhattan Hyperlinks Chapter, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a trustee of the State College of New York and Stillman School. She additionally performed a vital function within the Nationwide Council of Negro Girls, Inc., the Nationwide Black Management Fee on AIDS, Inc., and the New York State Fee on African American Historical past.
As president of the Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Guide Agency, she specialised in public coverage, well being, and variety. Her affect reached far past her agency, as she held management roles in organizations devoted to racial and social justice.
Dr. Dukes was a longtime member of the Meeting of Prayer Baptist Church in Roslyn, LI, the place she served as government assistant to the pastor, a member of the Board of Trustees, and an Grownup Sunday College trainer. Religion was central to her activism, grounding her combat for equality in a deep non secular dedication.
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, she was additionally a member of the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Fairness Job Drive, making certain marginalized communities had equitable entry to life-saving vaccines.
