Funeral services for Dr. Hazel Dukes will be held,
an pioneering advocate for civil rights
It will begin on Tuesday in Harlem.
A public viewing started at 7 p.m. at the Mother AME Zion Church. On Wednesday, another viewing will be held at 9 a.m., succeeded by her funeral at 10:30 a.m.
Dukes was a regular attendee at Mother AME Zion Church, and this will also be the location for her funeral services.
Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd mentioned, “She would often say, ‘When the time comes for me to leave this world and my eyes finally shut, I want my funeral held at Mother Zion.'”
Byrd mentions that his connection with Dukes extended past the boundaries of the church.
“I’m gonna miss those times going to her home, eating her food. She was a magnificent cook,” he said. “I wouldn’t be seated here in this chair as the pastor of this church if it wasn’t for her guidance, for her wisdom.”
She understood that the baton was eventually going to change hands.
Known to many as “Ma Dukes,” she served as the president of the New York NAACP for almost fifty years and relentlessly advocated for voting rights, equitable housing, and quality education.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama — the cradle of the civil rights movement — she later relocated to Roslyn within North Hempstead, Long Island. There, she made history as the first African American woman employed by the Nassau County attorney’s office. Additionally, she stood out as one of the minority females to hold the position of national president at the NAACP, taking charge of its New York Conference beginning in 1977.
Dukes stayed involved in politics up till she passed away.
taking the oath of office
When Governor Kathy Hochul took her oath in 2023 to become the first female elected governor of New York, she made history.
backing Vice President Kamala Harris
during the 2024 presidential election.
“Whether in rooms where discussions about justice take place, in spaces promoting DEI initiatives, or in areas where women strive for their voices to be acknowledged, Hazel Dukes will undoubtedly be present,” Byrd stated.
She passed away on March 1 at the age of 92.
Byrd mentioned, “She made considerable contributions for future generations as she traveled, knowing that the responsibility would eventually have to be handed over.”
“Mom was an dedicated advocate for civil rights in both New York City and across the country, working relentlessly at the forefront until nearly the very last moment,” stated her son, Ronald Dukes. “We take solace in understanding that even though she’s not with us physically anymore, she rests now within the embrace of Jesus.”
He considered her a formidable advocate for justice and a leading figure among activists. Her efforts left an indelible mark, and she will always be remembered with deep gratitude,” remarked Rev. Al Sharpton, further stating, “While we may not see another like Hazel Dukes again, I am thankful for having known such an exceptional individual.
