Hazel Dukes

Hazel Dukes was a prominent civil rights advocate and the president of the New York State chapter of the NAACP, known for her tireless efforts in fighting for voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and education. She dedicated nearly five decades to the NAACP, leaving a lasting impact on civil rights, particularly for Black women in political spaces. Dukes was celebrated for her contributions to the movement, receiving the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal shortly before her death at 92. Her legacy includes her significant role in propelling Black women into leadership positions, as well as her advocacy against police brutality and for health care in underserved communities.