Dr. Dukes was the president of the NAACP New York State Conference and a longtime advocate and activist
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand delivered a speech on the Senate floor to honor Dr. Hazel Dukes, longtime president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) New York State Conference and former national president of the NAACP, who passed away earlier this month.
** WATCH GILLIBRAND’S SPEECH ON THE SENATE FLOOR HERE **
Speech Text:
M. President,
I want to take a moment to honor the late Dr. Hazel Dukes, who died earlier this month. Hazel was not just my mentor and longtime friend — she was an extraordinary advocate for members of the African American community across New York.
When I was first appointed to the Senate, Hazel took me under her wing. She helped me learn how to do my job well and how to serve my constituents effectively.
Hazel was a wise and generous soul. She was a trailblazer for the civil rights movement and the longstanding president of the New York State NAACP. She fought housing discrimination on Long Island and was a tireless advocate for equal educational opportunities. Hazel’s leadership shaped the NAACP and she inspired future generations nationwide.
Hazel was truly a treasure, and I was devastated to learn of her passing. Her legacy will live on in the fight for justice she waged and the lives she changed. May we honor her by continuing the work she so fiercely championed.
Hazel, we miss you very much, and we will always remember you.
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