“Today, we mourn the passing of Dr. Hazel Dukes, a true civil rights icon and pioneer whose tireless advocacy changed countless lives. As the longtime President of the NAACP New York State Conference, Dr. Dukes dedicated her life to the fight for justice, equality, and the empowerment of our communities.
It was a privilege to know Dr. Dukes, whose unwavering commitment to civil rights and social justice served as an inspiration to me and so many others. Her legacy of leadership, activism, and compassion will continue to guide us for generations to come.
May she rest in eternal peace. We send our deepest prayers of strength and healing to her family, loved ones, and all those whose lives she touched.”