Hazel Dukes, the president of the New York State chapter of the NAACP, passed away at the age of 92. Dukes dedicated nearly five decades to fighting for civil rights, including voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and education. She continued to advocate against police brutality and for better health care in underserved communities even in her 90s. In 2023, she received the NAACP’s highest honor, the Spingarn Medal, from Hillary Clinton. Dukes was instrumental in paving the way for Black women to hold high political offices, supporting Shirley Chisholm’s presidential candidacy in 1972 and backing Joe Biden’s choice of a Black woman as his running mate in 2020. She expressed her pride in Kamala Harris’ historic vice presidential bid and hoped to witness her presidency. Dukes was also a successful businesswoman, running her own consulting firm, and served as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors. New York City Mayor Eric Adams ordered flags to be lowered at half-staff in her honor. Dukes’ legacy as a civil rights leader and advocate will continue to inspire future generations of NAACP leaders.
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