The Black Greek-letter community and civil rights organizations nationwide are mourning the loss of Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes, a pioneering civil rights leader and devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Dukes served as National President of the NAACP from 1990 to 1992 and led the NAACP New York State Conference from 1977 until her passing. Throughout her decades of service, she was known for her tireless advocacy in education, housing, healthcare, and voting rights, leaving a lasting impact on the fight for social justice.

Dr. Dukes’ career in civil rights began with her fight against housing discrimination on Long Island. She worked for President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Head Start program in the 1960s and later became the first Black employee at the Nassau County Attorney’s Office, before serving as a community organizer for the Nassau County Economic Opportunity Commission. From 1990 to 1992, she served as national president of the NAACP, continuing a lifetime of leadership dedicated to social justice.

According to CUNY SPH, she was a “fearless advocate for equal educational opportunities” and played a significant role in developing early childhood education initiatives. Her activism also extended to labor rights and public education reform, and she was a trusted advisor to prominent New York political figures, including Governors Mario Cuomo, Andrew Cuomo, and Kathy Hochul, as well as New York City Mayor David Dinkins.

Dr. Dukes’ dedication to human rights and equality was widely recognized. As the President of the Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Consultant Firm, she specialized in public policy, health, and diversity. She was an active member of numerous civil rights and advocacy organizations, including the National Council of Negro Women and the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc.

The NAACP described Dr. Dukes as a leader of “great strength and courage,” whose lifelong work was focused on bridging the gaps between business, government, and social causes.

Throughout her life, Dr. Dukes received numerous awards for her leadership, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the YWCA City of New York John La Farge Memorial Award for Interracial Justice, and The Network Journal’s 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business Award. She was honored at the New York City Council’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards ceremony and was recognized by Ford Motor Company’s Freedom’s Sisters initiative.

Dr. Dukes’ academic achievements included earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University and receiving honorary doctorates from the City University of New York Law School at Queens College, Medgar Evers College, and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.

A devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she was an active part of the Northern Manhattan Alumnae Chapter and received the Althea T.L. Simmons Social Action Award in 2010 for her contributions to social justice.

The CUNY School of Public Health (CUNY SPH) released a statement mourning her passing, highlighting her “unwavering commitment to justice and empowerment” and stating that “her legacy has left an indelible mark on society.” Freida D. Foster, Chair of the CUNY SPH Dean’s Advisory Council, called her “more than a civil rights icon—she was my mentor, my inspiration, and a force for justice.”

Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes’ contributions to civil rights, public policy, and education have shaped generations of activists, leaders, and policymakers. Her legacy will continue to inspire those committed to justice, advocacy, and equality.

We at Watch The Yard ask that you keep Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes’ family, friends and sorority sisters in your thoughts. We also ask that you leave your condolences and memories of her so that her family can see how much she meant to all of us.