Hazel Dukes, civil rights advocate and NAACP leader, dies at 92


Hazel Dukes, civil rights advocate and NAACP leader, dies at 92

Published 2 March 2025 Hazel Dukes, a prominent civil rights advocate and president of the NAACP New York State Conference, died Saturday. She was 92. Dukes died peacefully at her home in New York City surrounded by her family, the NAACP New York State Conference (NYS NAACP) said in a statement. Known to many as "Ma Dukes" or "Queen Mother," Dukes spent more than seven decades fighting for voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and education for all. "From leading our National organization to carrying our New York State Conference, serving as a passionate voice on our National Board of Directors, and mentoring our youth, there is no corner of the movement that has been untouched by Dr. Dukes' legacy," NAACP officials said in a joint statement. "While she may have passed on, hers is a legacy that will outlive us all."