Hazel Dukes, the president of the New York State chapter of the NAACP and lifelong civil rights advocate, died Saturday on the age of 92.
Dukes peacefully handed away in her New York Metropolis dwelling surrounded by household, her son, Ronald Dukes, mentioned in a press release.
Dukes, who led the New York State NAACP for almost 5 a long time, fought tirelessly for voting rights, financial growth, truthful housing and training by way of her profession. Even in her 90s, she spoke out towards police brutality and for satisfactory well being care in underserved neighborhoods, the NAACP’s New York State chapter mentioned in a press release.
In 2023, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton introduced Dukes with the NAACP’s highest honor — the Spingarn Medal.
“I am not drained but,” Dukes mentioned in her acceptance speech for the award. She added that she would proceed her advocacy and empower the following technology of NAACP leaders.
Dukes helped lay the inspiration for Black girls to ascend to the nation’s highest workplaces. In 1972, she took the stage on the Democratic Nationwide Conference to second the presidential candidacy of Shirley Chisholm, the primary Black girl to run for the get together’s nomination.
Dukes was instrumental in former President Joe Biden’s resolution to decide on a Black girl as his 2020 operating mate, she famous in an interview with CBS final 12 months. Her career-long struggle was bookended by former Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 bid for the presidency.
In a put up in X Saturday, Harris referred to as Dukes one of many heroes “upon whose broad shoulders we stand.”
“I’m simply happy with Kamala. I’m simply excited if I can stay to see this occur. It will be the enjoyment of my life,” Dukes mentioned within the CBS interview.
Dukes was the president of her personal consulting agency. She additionally served because the member of the NAACP Nationwide Board of Administrators. Leaders of the NAACP mentioned in a press release Saturday that Dukes was a “dwelling embodiment” of the NAACP and that her legacy has touched each facet of the motion.
New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams ordered flags to be lowered at half-staff as a tribute to Dukes.
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