Hazel Nell Dukes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hazel Nell Dukes
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Dukes in 2024
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| President of the NAACP | |
| In office 1990–1992 |
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| Preceded by | Enolia McMillan |
| Succeeded by | Rupert Richardson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 17, 1932 Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | March 1, 2025 (aged 92) New York City, U.S. |
| Children | Ronald Dukes |
| Parents |
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| Education | Alabama State University Nassau Community College Adelphi University |
Hazel Nell Dukes was an important American activist. She was born on March 17, 1932, and passed away on March 1, 2025. She served as a leader for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This included being the national president and also leading the organization's chapter in New York State.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Hazel Nell Dukes was born in Montgomery, Alabama. This was on March 17, 1932. She was the only child of Alice and Edward Dukes. Her father worked as a Pullman porter.
School Days
In 1949, she started at Alabama State Teachers College. She hoped to become a teacher. In 1955, she moved to New York City with her parents. There, she began studying business administration. This was at Nassau Community College.
In 1978, Dukes earned a bachelor's degree. This was in business administration from Adelphi University. She also did more studies at Queens College. She received three special honorary degrees. These were from different universities in New York.
Making a Difference
Hazel Nell Dukes worked hard to fight unfair treatment. She helped people who faced discrimination when trying to find homes. This was when she lived in Roslyn on Long Island.
Helping Children
In the 1960s, she worked for President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Head Start" program. This program helps young children from families with lower incomes. In 1966, she joined the Nassau County Attorney's Office. She was the first Black American to hold such a position there. Later, she helped organize communities. She also taught children who were living in poverty.
Leading the NAACP
Dukes was always a strong voice for change. She spoke out during the 1980s and 1990s. She strongly supported better education. She also worked for the progress of civil rights.
From 1990 to 1992, Dukes was the national president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She also led the NAACP New York State Conference. She held this role from 1977 until she passed away in 2025. She was also a member of the NAACP's National Board of Directors. She started her own company, Hazel N. Dukes & Associates. This company helped with planning for organizations.
Later Years
Hazel Nell Dukes passed away in Harlem, New York City. She was 92 years old. Her death was on March 1, 2025.
