Yesterday, Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes—a towering figure in the realm of civil and human rights—laid to rest after a funeral service at AME Zion Church in Harlem. The Shirley Chisholm Project joins New York and the world in celebrating the indelible impact of her life.
Throughout her life, Dr. Dukes was a mainstay of civil rights activism and progressive politics. Before assuming the leadership of the New York Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, she worked with the Head Start program, the Nassau County Attorney’s Office, and the county’s Equal Opportunity Commission. She served as the leader of the New York NAACP for nearly fifty years and also served as a leader of the NAACP’s national organization. In addition, Dr. Dukes has served as an indispensable advisor to countless political figures, particularly in New York. Dr. Dukes was also a friend and political ally of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and spoke at the 1972 Democratic National Convention.
The SCP is proud to include an interview with Dr. Dukes in our Oral History Collection that is also included in our exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York—Shirley Chisholm at 100: Changing the Face of Democracy. In November, furthermore, Dr. Dukes graced us as an honored guest during our Centennial Celebration – Chisholm Day 2024 at Brooklyn College. On that day, Dr. Dukes became the inaugural recipient of the SCP’s Legacy Award. SCP Director Dr. Fraser recognized her for her lifetime of activism for civil and human rights. Additionally, she was also introduced to Regina and Reina King who were also award recipients . During the ceremony, she reflected on her friendship with Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and provided our audience with words of wisdom on how to continue the struggle for civil rights in the context of today’s formidable political conflicts.
Dr. Dukes passed away on March 1st. Even as we mourn her loss, we are also inspired and emboldened by her incredible legacy.