LI Mourns Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, Civil Rights Leader: 'She Was A Force'

LONG ISLAND, NY —A civil rights warrior and longtime Long Island resident who led the cry for change has died: Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, the longtime civil rights leader, passed away Saturday morning at 92.

Governor Kathy Hochul directed flags to be lowered at half staff to honor Dr. Dukes' life.

"The leadership, courage and bravery of Hazel Dukes transformed New York for the better," Hochul said. "Her unwavering commitment to the fight for civil rights transformed lives and uplifted our communities. New York is forever indebted to her for the courage, strength, and love she brought to every battle."

Dr. Dukes was a former national President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), President of the NAACP New York State Conference, and a renowned civil rights leader and activist.

She fought for racial justice, education reform, and voting rights, becoming a prominent advocate for the African American community. On Long Island, she fought tirelessly against discrimination in housing and in schools.

The bonds she created with her fierce advocacy are lifelong. The family of Lucius Ware, former president of the Long Island chapter of the NAACP who died last year, also mourned Dr. Dukes Saturday.

Layna Castle, Lucius' granddaughter, shared her memories with Patch, calling the work of Dukes and her grandfather "a legacy of giants."

In 2003, the Youth and College Division of the NAACP in New York "had two giants standing behind us — Hazel N. Dukes and my grandfather, Lucius Ware," she said. "They weren’t just names we heard in passing; they were present, engaged, and unwavering in their support of our growth as young leaders.

"Hazel had a way of making us feel like the future was not just ours to inherit, but ours to shape," Castle said. "Behind closed doors, she spoke to us with urgency, wisdom, and fire. She challenged us to think beyond ourselves — to consider the impact we could make and the legacy we would leave behind. She didn’t sugarcoat reality, but she made sure we knew that change was within our reach if we had the courage to fight for it."

And, Castle said, the memories are vivid. "I remember her and my grandfather going back and forth — not in disagreement, but in strategy. They both carried the weight of advocacy for civil rights across the state of New York, and their debates were nothing short of legendary. They pushed each other, challenged each other, and ultimately, uplifted those around them."

Castle added: "Hazel was a force—kind, funny, and full of grit. She made us laugh, made us think, and made us believe that we had power. My grandfather matched her step for step, both of them relentless in their pursuit of justice. Together, they gave us a vision for what was possible. Because of them, we didn’t just dream about changing the world — we knew we could."

Edward Love, Ware's grandson, also remembered Dr. Duke's impact: "Hazel Dukes had a way of delivering tough love that shaped us all. She believed that Region II had a responsibility to lead— to show up, speak out, and set the standard for commitment to justice and peace. Whether at a local meeting, a national convention, or an international gathering, she made sure we were present, engaged, and ready to fight for what was right."

He added: "For me, Hazel Dukes and my grandfather, Lucius Ware, were the two voices that never wavered in my ear. They didn’t just speak about the NAACP; they lived it. They instilled in me the understanding that membership was more than a formality — it was a duty. It was about bringing others into the movement, strengthening our collective power, and carrying the torch forward."

Love said he remembered speaking with Dr. Dukes about the NAACP’s decision to downsize multiple regional directors across the country.

"She made sure I understood the significance of that decision, the weight it carried for the future of the organization," he said. "That conversation stayed with me as I prepared to address the entire convention. After delivering my speech, I had the privilege of discussing the matter privately with the late Julian Bond. That moment, standing with someone who embodied the movement’s history, reinforced everything Hazel had instilled in me — the importance of showing up, representing, and making sure our voices were heard."

He added: "Hazel Dukes was more than a leader — she was an institution, a matriarch of activism whose presence commanded respect. She shaped so many of us, and while she will be deeply missed, her impact will never fade. She showed us what it means to lead with conviction, and it is now up to us to carry that legacy forward."

James Banks, chair of the Southampton Town Anti-Bias Task Force, as well as the chair of the Suffolk County African American Advisory Board, paid tribute to Dr. Dukes.

"No tribute can be worthy of the woman with the lasting impression and historical influence Hazel Dukes, called 'Momma Dukes', had on Long Island, New York State, and ultimately, the nation and the world," he said. "Frequently, I sat in rooms where she commanded the attention, and guided the direction of, leaders and activists alike. Her calm, yet assertive countenance left no one unsure of her intent to motivate and care for the individuals and groups she was charged to lead."

Banks said in the workshops and classes he teaches, he has often praised Hazel N. Dukes "as the quintessential role model, not just for Women of Distinction, but for the whole human race. She not only was an educator, but also, a fire-breathing NAACP leader deserving to be a member of the Justice League of Authenticity. Today I sat in a regional meeting of several Long Island regional branches of the NAACP and realized that she is still leading us, from her current celestial location at the side of the Creator."

Dr. Dukes' loss echoed, with leaders far and wide weighing in on her rich legacy.

New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement: "Hazel Dukes was a barrier breaker, a glass-ceiling shatterer, and a leader for millions of New Yorkers and Americans. Dr. Dukes may have been honored with awards, recognitions, street namings, and medals, but tome, she will always be the quiet but powerful force for good, justice, and equality. My heart is heavy as we say goodbye to my dear mentor and friend. May she rest in peace and power, andmay her memory be an inspiration for generations to come."

According to a statement by the national NAACP: "Dr. Dukes was a woman of great strength and courage. Her dedication to human rights and equality was exemplified by her role linking business, government and social causes. Dr. Dukes was an active and dynamic leader who was known for her unselfish and devoted track record for improving the quality of life in New York State."

The NYS NAACP also mourned Dr. Duke's loss in a statement: "Long-time civil rights activist, public servant and president of the NAACP New York State Conference, Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes died today at her New York City home at the age of 92, with her family by her side. She is survived by her son Ronald Dukes and daughter-in-law Janet Dukes and leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy to the many lives that she touched.

"An outspoken advocate for voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and quality education for all, Dukes dedicated more than seven decades advocating for racial diversity, equity, inclusion, and long-lasting social change. She served as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and presided over the NAACP New York State Conference since 1977. In 1989, she was elected national president of the NAACP–one of the few women ever to lead the historic civil rights organization," the statement went on.

"Into her 90s, she remained on the front lines, whether protesting police brutality or pushing for better health care in underserved neighborhoods," the NAACP said.

Dr. Dukes, the statement read, was the recipient of 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, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for patriotism and philanthropy, and the NAACP 108th Spingarn Medal — "the highest or noblest achievement by a living African American in any honorable field. In January 2023 Dr. Dukes made history by becoming the first layperson in the United States of America to administer the oath of the office to a governor. . . Despite her many titles and distinctions, she often described herself simply as a servant of the people. '. . . If I can help somebody as I pass along; then my living shall not have been in vain."

Last year, Dr. Dukes was honored by ERASE Racism at a gala at the Garden City Hotel. Dukes, the longstanding president of the NAACP's New York State Conference, earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University.

Dukes received the ERASE Racism Lifetime Achievement Award for her enduring, lifelong commitment to racial justice throughout the U.S., ERASE Racism said in a statement.