On the first day of Women’s History Month, the world lost a truly remarkable woman, Dr. Hazel Dukes. A civil rights trailblazer who tirelessly advocated for equality, education, and public health, Dr. Dukes served as a past national president of the NAACP. At the time of her death at age 92, she was president of the NAACP’s New York State Conference, and a member of the SUNY Board of Trustees.
“Today, SUNY lost one of New York State’s strongest champions of public education and civil rights with the passing of Dr. Hazel Dukes. When she walked into a room, like she did so many times across SUNY, Dr. Dukes was a presence of strength and honor—using every moment to lift people up and fight for equity and upward mobility for all,” SUNY Chancellor John B. King said in a statement. “In partnership with Governor Kathy Hochul, SUNY was privileged to recognize Dr. Dukes with the Black Leadership Institute’s Dr. Hazel Dukes Fellowship and to commission a portrait in her honor through the SUNY Portrait Competition, which is now on display at the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building in Albany. Our hearts are with Dr. Dukes’ family and friends today, and for every person forever changed by her legacy of action.”
In January 2023, Dukes had the honor of swearing in Kathy Hochul as the first female governor of New York State. Governor Hochul ordered flags to be lowered to half staff Sunday to salute Dr. Dukes.
SUNY annually awards the Dr. Hazel Dukes Fellowship to a student in the SUNY Black Leadership Institute (BLI) who embodies accomplishments, passion, clear thinking, and dedication to the cause of diversity, equity and justice that have defined Dr. Dukes’ career and life.
We, at SUNY Broome, stand with institutions across the system in our sadness at this tremendous loss of Dr. Dukes. There is no doubt that her legacy, spirit, and contributions will continue to have a lasting impact on generations to come.
Submitted by: MarCom
Tags: Women's History Month
