02/03/2025
As we usher in Women’s History Month, we at Noir Lifestyles take a moment to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a pioneering civil rights leader, who passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born on March 17, 1932, in Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Dukes’ life was a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice. She served as the president of the NAACP New York State Conference for nearly five decades, championing causes such as voting rights, economic advancement, equitable housing, and education. Her voice was steadfast as she stood against police violence, healthcare inequities, and systemic injustice.
A true trailblazer, Dr. Dukes made history as the first Black American to work for the Nassau County Attorney's Office. Her leadership extended nationally when she became the NAACP's national president from 1990 to 1992. Dr. Dukes was a force at the 1972 Democratic National Convention, supporting Shirley Chisholm’s presidential bid, and influenced the selection of a Black woman as a running mate in the 2020 presidential election.
In honor of her contributions, New York City Mayor Eric Adams ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast across the city. Her passing is not just the end of an era but also a reminder of the profound impact one person can make in the pursuit of justice and equality.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we remember Dr. Hazel N. Dukes not only for the history she made but also for the future she helped shape. Herstory will continue to inspire and be a blueprint in the struggle for civil rights and social justice.
Rest in power, Dr. Dukes. Your legacy lives on.