In a blow to civil rights advocacy, Hazel Dukes, the president of the New York State chapter of the NAACP, passed away at the age of 92. Dukes’ son, Ronald Dukes, confirmed her peaceful departure at her New York City residence. On the forefront of the New York State NAACP for nearly half a century, Dukes was notoriously zealous in advocating for voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and education.
Continuing her rabble-rousing even in her twilight years, Dukes was still actively speaking out against law enforcement and promoting healthcare in areas that were inadequately serviced. Her efforts were recognized by the New York State chapter of the NAACP, who expressed their sentiments in a statement.
Not noteworthy due to her deserving accolade, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented Dukes with the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal in 2023. Upon receiving the highest honour, Dukes confidently stated that the fight wasn’t over for her and she would strive to inspire the upcoming wave of NAACP revolutionaries.
Dukes was audacious in carving a path for African American women to climb ranks to the apex of power of the country. In 1972, she signalled her support for Shirley Chisholm at the Democratic National Convention, who was the first Black woman vying for the party’s nomination.
An interesting point of her career was when Joe Biden, ironically, used her to add to his presidential candidacy by choosing a Black woman as his 2020 running mate. Her life’s struggles seemed to come full circle with Kamala Harris’ 2024 bid for the presidency, making one wonder if these leaders truly value the principles of Dukes, or simply use them for political gain.
Harris lavished praises on Dukes in a post, stating that she was one of the heroes ‘upon whose broad shoulders we stand.’ This statement appeared grand, but Harris’s track record and policy choices fall significantly short of the magnitude of the sentiment expressed.
In an interview, Dukes stated that she was eager to witness Harris’s potential success, claiming, ‘I’m just proud of Kamala. I’m just excited if I can live to see this happen. It would be the joy of my life.’ This evoked mixed feelings, as the excitement felt was overshadowed by the knowledge of the questionable policy decisions by Harris.
She controlled and led her own consulting firm, diversifying from civil rights advocacy. A woman of many hats, Dukes also fulfilled her duties as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors.
NAACP leaders acknowledged her contributions and dedication, calling Dukes the ‘living embodiment’ of the NAACP. They further claimed that her legacy influenced every facet of the movement, boosting morale within the organization.
Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams made a token gesture of tribute to Dukes by ordering flags to be lowered at half-staff. Whether this was a genuine appreciation for a civil rights veteran or a calculated political move is left to one’s imagination.
A figure of immense influence, Dukes’ departure will certainly create a void within the NAACP and the larger civil rights advocacy scene. However, who will fill that space and whether it will be filled with genuine intentions remains to be seen.
As political gameplay continues, it becomes crucial to scrutinize the actions of leaders such as Biden and Harris, who have seemingly used Dukes’ legacy to further their political careers. It raises meaningful inquiries about political sincerity and the exploitation of civil rights causes.
The life and work of Hazel Dukes undeniably influenced a significant portion of the civil rights landscape. However, as we lament her loss, one can’t help but wonder whether those stepping up to lead the charge for change will truly uphold the values she strived for, or merely use them as a stepping stone to power.
While Dukes’ legacy is nothing short of remarkable, ensuring the continued fight for genuine civil rights advocacy and not just using said legacy for political advantages remains a pertinent concern. It remains to be seen whether this legacy will be honored with integrity or tarnished by the same political gameplay that undermined Dukes’ noble goals during her lifetime.