# Hazel Dukes, civil rights advocate and NAACP leader remembered

**Civil Rights**

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."

A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Dukes moved with her family to New York in the 1950s and became involved in the movement for racial equity across health care, education, and housing, according to the NAACP. She was later selected by President Lyndon B. Johnson to work for the Head Start program, a federally funded early childhood program for low-income children.

Dukes was one of few women to lead the NAACP, succeeding  as president in 1990. She held that position until 1992.

She was also a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and served as president of the NYS NAACP from 1977 until her death, the organization said.

Dukes received numerous honors and awards for her "many years of commitment to justice and activism," including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Candace Award for community service and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for patriotism and philanthropy, according to the NYS NAACP. In 2020, Dukes became the first civilian in the U.S. to administer the oath of office to a governor.

**"These 70 years have not been easy; they have been filled with pain, hardships, and tribulations,"** Dukes said after receiving the award. "But the struggles of those who paved the way serve as a powerful reminder that we must take bold steps to confront racism and tirelessly advocate for civil rights."

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