Latest news with #EllisIslandMedalofHonor
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Civil rights champion Dr. Hazel Dukes to be laid to rest at funeral
HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) – An emotional gathering will be held in Harlem on Wednesday as long-time civil rights champion Dr. Hazel Dukes is laid to rest during her funeral. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Rev. Al Sharpton are all expected to pay tribute to Dukes – who fought for racial and social justice for over 70 years. More Local News She made history as the first Black American to work for the Nassau County Attorney's Office and the first layperson in the U.S. to administer the oath of office to a governor for Hochul in 2023. She served as president of the NAACP New York State Conference and was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Key to New York City. 'She was a force to be reckoned with, let me say that. She meant business and she fought for what was right. She wasn't letting it go. She would make sure that we got the outcome that we looked for,' said Barbara Powell, the president of the Hempstead branch of the NAACP. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Dukes is also credited with launching the Head Start program, fostering early education and healthy families under former President Lyndon B. Johnson. She's advocated for voting rights, economic development, fair housing and quality education. Dukes died at 92 years old. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
03-03-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Hazel Dukes, civil rights advocate and NAACP leader, dies at 92
Hazel Dukes, civil rights advocate and NAACP leader, dies at 92 Show Caption Hide Caption Sixty years since Civil Rights Act signing. Things to know. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation and banned employment discrimination, allowing people of color to pursue better jobs and education. 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 healthcare, 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. 'Propelled a movement': Looking forward and back as the Civil Rights Act turns 60 Dukes was one of few women to lead the NAACP, succeeding Enolia McMillan 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. The organization noted that Dukes remained an outspoken advocate against police brutality and pushed for adequate health care in underserved neighborhoods into her 90s. In 2023, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented Dukes with the NAACP's highest honor — the Spingarn Medal. "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." Hazel Dukes remembered by leaders across New York New York Governor Kathy Hochul — whom Dukes administered the oath of office — said she was with the civil rights leader during her final days. "She called me her daughter. That means the world to me," Hochul said in a statement on X. "Her contributions to making our state and our country more just, more equitable, and more fair are impacts that will long endure after her passing." New York City Mayor Eric Adams described "Ma Dukes" as a "true trailblazer who dedicated her life to uplifting our community." "For over 40 years, Ma Dukes has been an unwavering presence in my life — a trusted advisor, a cherished friend, and a guiding light during some of my most challenging times," Adams said in a statement. "New York City has lost a giant, but heaven has gained a warrior." Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman shared his condolences to Dukes' family on Saturday, noting that Dukes had been a longtime resident of Nassau County and held important positions in the local government. Hochul, Adams, and Blakeman all ordered flags to be lowered at half-staff to honor the life and memory of Dukes. She is survived by her son Ronald Dukes. Contributing: Reuters
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NAACP New York President Dr. Hazel Dukes dies at 92
NEW YORK (PIX11) — Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a trailblazer and pioneer for racial and social justice, passed away at 92 on Saturday morning, her son Ronald Dukes says. The civil rights activist was the President of the NAACP New York State Conference and a member of the organization's National Board of Directors. She previously served as the national president of the NAACP. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State 'Mom was a committed civil rights leader in New York City and the nation and worked tirelessly on the frontlines almost to the end,' said Ronald Dukes in a family statement. Dr. Dukes dedicated more than seven decades to advocating for racial diversity, equity and inclusion and has worked closely with elected officials and leaders to link business, government and social causes. More Local News 'I'm saddened to hear of the passing of my true friend, sister and friend for more than 40 years, Hazel Dukes. She was a force of nature for justice and an activist of the highest order. She made a difference, and we will forever be indebted to her,' said Rev. Al Sharpton in a statement. As an entrepreneur, Dr. Dukes was also the President and founder of Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Consultant Firm. The firm specializes in strategic planning as it pertains to education, economic development, civic engagement and youth development. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo first shared news of her passing in a social media post on Saturday morning. '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. America has lost one of the greats,' the post read. Dr. Dukes has received multiple honors and awards for her work in social justice and activism including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Guy R. Brewer Humanitarian Award, and the key to New York City by former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Dr. Dukes made history as the first Black American to work for the Nassau County Attorney's Office and the first layperson in the U.S. to administer the oath of office to a governor for Kathy Hochul in 2023. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
