Hazel Dukes, civil rights activist and NY NAACP president, dead at 92

Hazel Dukes, a longtime civil rights activist and president of the NAACP New York State Conference, died Saturday. She was 92.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes at 92 years of age,” her son, Ronald Dukes, said in a statement.

“Mom departed this life peacefully on the morning of March 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Mom was a committed civil rights leader in New York City and the nation and worked tirelessly on the frontlines almost to the end. We find comfort in knowing that while she’s no longer with us physically but resting in the bosom of Jesus.” 

Dukes was found dead in her Harlem home at 6:20 a.m. after battling an illness, sources told The Post.

It is not clear what illness Dukes was suffering from, but she skipped the annual NAACP New York State Conference event in Albany earlier this year because she was sick.

Dukes served as president of the Empire State’s chapter of the civil rights organization and a member of the group’s national board of directors as well as its former president.

“No words can convey the devastation that this loss brings upon us as individuals, and the NAACP as an organization. Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, known to many as ‘Ma’ was a living embodiment of the NAACP. She led with conviction, always put her community first, and stood up to those who tried to bring us down,” the NAACP Board’s Chairman Leon W. Russell and Vice Chair Karen Boykin Towns, and President & CEO, Derrick Johnson said in a joint statement.

“While she may have passed on, hers is a legacy that will outlive us all. The NAACP is proud to have served as a home, and our members and fellow leaders an extended family for a force of nature, and source of light as bright as Dr. Dukes. Our hearts are with the Dukes family as we hold her memory close to our hearts while carrying the torch she lit.”

Dukes had been a towering figure in New York politics for decades, first starting her career in Roslyn, Long Island, in 1965 as part of the Head Start program, an initiative kickstarted by President Lyndon B. Johnson to help low-income children prepare for kindergarten. 

The trailblazer then went on the following year to become the first black American to work at the Nassau County Attorney’s Office.

Dukes is also a former president of the New York City Off Track Betting Corporation.

She had been a towering figure in New York politics for decades, first starting her trailblazing career in 1966 by becoming the first black American to work at the Nassau County Attorney’s Office.

A graduate of Adelphi University and Queens College, Dukes was the president of the Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Consultant Firm, specializing in the areas of public policy, health and diversity.

Dukes was a trusted advisor to many Democratic politicians throughout the years, including former Gov. David Paterson, who knew Dukes from childhood. She swore in Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2023 when she assumed the office for her first full term — becoming the first civilian in the United States to administer the oath of office to a governor.

She has been awarded various accolades throughout the years, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, YWCA City of New York John La Farge Memorial Award for Interracial Justice and Guy R. Brewer Humanitarian Award.

The NAACP described Dukes in her online biography as “an active and dynamic leader who is known for her unselfish and devoted track record for improving the quality of life in New York State.”

Various political leaders grieved the loss of Dukes following the news of her death, which was first made public by the Rev. Al Sharpton who said in a statement that he was “saddened to hear of the passing of my true friend, sister and friend for more than 40 years” adding that she was “a force of nature for justice and an activist of the highest order.”

Hochul said she was with the New York powerhouse “at her bedside during her final days.”

“She called me her daughter. That means the world to me. 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,” Hochul said.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman offered condolences to Dukes’ family, and ordered county flags to be flown at half staff until her burial “as a memorial to a great leader.” 

“Hazel Dukes was an internationally known Civil Rights leader and held important positions in Nassau County Government,” he said in a statement.

Attorney General Letitia James said on X: “My heart is heavy this morning to learn that another giant has gone on to rest. Hazel Dukes was a legend who fought for justice every day, and her legacy will live on. May she rest in power and peace.”

Disgraced former Gov. Cuomo added that the world was mourning “a great pioneer and warrior for social and racial justice.”

“Hazel Dukes was my champion for as long as I can remember and close to all of us in the Cuomo family. America has lost one of the greats,” he said in a statement on X.

“Thinking of you especially today…and everyday.”