Statement from Higher Heights President & CEO Glynda Carr on the Passing of Civil Rights Icon Hazel Ma’ Dukes

BROOKLYN (March 1, 2025) — Higher Heights for America joins the nation in mourning the loss of Hazel Dukes, a trailblazing civil rights leader.

At the NAACP, Hazel Dukes served as a member of the organization’s national board of directors and presided over the New York State Conference for more than 20 years. From 1989 to 1992, Dukes served as the national president of the NAACP, becoming the second woman to hold the position and lead the pioneering organization.

Affectionally known as Ma’ Dukes, she dedicated more than seven decades to the fight for equity and empowerment and passed away Saturday at the age of 92. Higher Heights President & CEO Glynda Carr issued the following statement in honor of her life and legacy:

“Today, we mourn the loss of a trailblazing icon, a fearless advocate, and a beloved sister in the fight for justice, Hazel Dukes. A towering force in the civil rights movement, she dedicated her life to ensuring that Black communities had a seat at every table — and a voice on all-important issues — whether in the fight for housing equity, educational opportunity, or political empowerment.

For more than seven decades, Ma’ Dukes stood steadfastly on the frontlines, pushing our nation closer to its ideals of justice and equality. Her leadership of the NAACP New York State Conference, her historic tenure as the second woman to serve as NAACP national president, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting Black women and our communities have left an indelible mark. In 1972, Hazel Dukes made history when she boldly seconded the nomination of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm for President at the Democratic National Convention, amplifying the call for Black women’s leadership at the highest levels of government. Her nomination of Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for a major party’s presidential nomination, was a defining moment in the fight for political representation, cementing Dukes’ legacy as a trailblazer who shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black women in politics.

Hazel Dukes was a supporter of Higher Heights from day one, believing deeply in our mission to elevate Black women’s leadership and political power. She was a force, a mentor, and a fierce champion for those too often unheard, always pushing for greater representation and equity. Her bold leadership—whether nominating Shirley Chisholm for president, fighting for civil rights, or mentoring the next generation—embodied the very essence of what Higher Heights stands for. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of Black women to run, win and lead, ensuring that her impact is felt for years to come.

Higher Heights honors her life, her legacy, and her service. Our hearts are with her family and all those who loved her. Rest well, Ma Dukes. Your work lives on in all of us and thank you for being a Black woman who leads.”

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NOTE: In 2022, Higher Heights had the opportunity to sit down with Ma’ Dukes as she reflected on the legacy of Shirley Chisholm. She shared with us her account of the historic moment in which she boldly seconded the nomination of Shirley Chisholm for President at the Democratic National Convention in Miami in 1972. Please check it out here.

Higher Heights for America, a 501(c)(4) organization, and its connected federal political action committee, Higher Heights for America PAC, which works to expand Black women’s elected representation and voting participation. Learn more at https://www.higherheightsforamerica.org.