Hazel Dukes, civil rights icon, dies at 92

Civil Rights icon Hazel Dukes, the NAACP’s New York State Conference president, has died. She was 92.

Her son Ronald Dukes confirmed her passing to Amsterdam News.

Hazel N. Dukes (C), president of New York State Conference of NAACP branches, and other protesters march down the street towards Holland Tunnel during a demonstration on May 7, 2008 in New York City, after the acquittal of three New York City Police officers in the Sean Bell shooting trial. (Photo by Hiroko Masuike / Getty Images)

Her death saddened local elected officials and community activists who worked with Dukes over the years.

“A great pioneer and warrior for social and racial justice, Hazel Dukes was my champion for as long as I can remember and close to all of us in the Cuomo family,” former Gov. Andrew Cuomo wrote on X. “America has lost one of the greats.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton said he had just spoken to Dukes, who he described as a “true friend” on Thursday.

Hazel Dukes speaks during a forum at the New York Daily News Building in Manhattan on Sept. 25, 1991. (Bill Turnbull / New York Daily News)

“She was a force of nature for justice and an activist of the highest order,” Sharpton said in a statement. “She made a difference, and we will forever be indebted to her.”

“We will never have another Hazel Dukes, but I am grateful that we had this one,” he said.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.

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