Latest news with #NAACPNewYorkStateConference
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Woke NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander caught ‘napping' at NAACP icon Hazel Dukes' funeral
This Big Apple mayoral candidate may be woke – but he can't stay awake. Socialist NYC Comptroller Brad Lander was caught on camera apparently dozing off during Tuesday's memorial service for civil-rights champion Hazel Dukes, photos obtained by The Post show. The mayoral wannabe appeared to be on a Zzz train through the last half of the two-hour service that kicked off at 10 a.m. at Mother AME Zion Church in Harlem for Dukes, the former president of the NAACP New York State Conference who died Saturday at the age of 92, sources said. 'I guess Brad isn't so woke after all,' quipped a longtime NYC Democratic operative. 'It shows that the black constituency is just a prop for him, and not being able to stay awake for a funeral of a black icon shows you what you need to know about him as a human being,' the person added. Multiple photos provided show Lander, 55, with his eyes sealed shut, sitting in a crowed pew. The apparent slumber could put him into hibernation after the primary, one insider snarked. 'Not a good look at all – especially for someone sagging in the polls and courting the black vote,' said another Democratic operative. Lander was among the more than 1,000 people who attended the service, which included NYC Mayor Eric Adams, the city's second black mayor; ex-Gov. and fellow Democratic mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo; Gov. Kathy Hochul and former First Lady Hillary Clinton. Lander spokeswoman Dora Pekec insisted the comptroller wasn't snoozing. 'It's not exactly breaking news that some people close their eyes at spiritual events,' Pekec said. 'Brad was deeply engaged and moved by the service, and it speaks volumes about someone that they would seek to exploit and lie about Ms. Dukes' funeral service for their personal political gain.'
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
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New York civil rights activist Hazel Dukes dies at 92
March 1 (UPI) -- Former NAACP New York State Conference president and longtime civil rights activist Hazel Dukes died at age 92, her family announced Saturday. "Mom departed this life peacefully surrounded by her loving family," her son, Ronald Dukes, said in a statement published Saturday by the New York Daily News. "Mom was a committed civil rights leader in New York City and the nation and worked tirelessly on the front line almost to the end," Dukes said. New York City Mayor Eric Adams ordered all flags on city buildings to be lowered to half-staff to honor Dukes. New York Governor Kathy Hochul likewise ordered flags on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff. "The leadership, courage and bravery of Hazel Dukes transformed New York for the better," Hochul said Saturday in a news release. "Her unwavering commitment to the fight for civil rights transformed lives and uplifted our communities," Hochul said. "New York is forever indebted to her for the courage, strength and love she brought to every battle." Dukes was born in Montgomery, Ala., in 1932 and moved to New York in 1955, where she became involved in community organizing on behalf of the Economic Commission of Nassau County. Former President Lyndon Johnson appointed Dukes to the Head Start early childhood education program that he created in the 1960s, and she became the first Black to hold a position within the Nassau County Attorney's Office. Dukes eventually moved to Harlem, where she became a local NAACP leader in the 1990s and worked on local and national political initiatives. "No words can convey the devastation that this loss brings upon us as individuals and the NAACP as an organization," NAACP Chairman Leon Russell, Vice Chair Karen Boykin Towns and President and Chief Executive Officer Derrick Johnson said in a joint statement. "She led with conviction, always put her community first and stood up to those who tried to bring us down," the NAACP leaders said. "There is no corner of the movement that has been untouched by Dr. Dukes' legacy." The NAACP leaders said her legacy "will outlive us all" and "we hold her memory close to our hearts while carrying the torch she lit."
CBS News
01-03-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Hazel Dukes, New York civil rights leader, dies at 92
Dr. Hazel Dukes, an iconic civil rights leader and president of the NAACP New York State Conference, has died. She was 92. Dukes died peacefully Saturday morning, her son, Ronald Dukes, said in a statement to CBS News New York. "Mom was a committed civil rights leader in New York City and the nation and worked tirelessly on the frontlines almost to the end. We find comfort in knowing that while she's no longer with us physically, but resting in the bosom of Jesus," his statement said. Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, said Dukes was "a force of nature" after learning of her death. "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. I spoke to her by phone just two days ago. We will never have another Hazel Dukes, but I am grateful that we had this one," Sharpton said. A trailblazing civil rights leader in New York Dukes was born and raised in Alabama before making history in New York as the first Black American to work for the Nassau County Attorney's Office on Long Island. Dukes was active in politics until her death, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election and administering the oath of office to Gov. Kathy Hochul, the first woman elected governor of New York, in 2023. Dukes stood by New York City Mayor Eric Adams when he was charged with corruption last year. "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. Ma Dukes was a true trailblazer who dedicated her life to uplifting our community. As the longtime leader of the NAACP New York State Conference, she fought tirelessly for civil rights, education equity, and economic justice. Her fearless advocacy opened doors for countless New Yorkers — including myself — and helped shape our city and state into what it is today," Adams said in a statement. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued a statement ordering flags to be lowered in her honor. "Our sincere condolences to the family of longtime Nassau resident Hazel Dukes. Hazel Dukes was an internationally known Civil Rights leader and held important positions in Nassau County Government. I am ordering flags in Nassau County to be lowered to half staff starting Monday March 3rd until burial as a memorial to a great leader," Blakeman said. SUNY awards the Dr. Hazel Dukes Fellowship each year to a student who embodies the values that defined her life and career.
