On Saturday, Dr. Hazel Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference, passed away. Speaker Adrienne Adams issued the following statement.

“Dr. Hazel Dukes committed her entire life to advancing civil rights, racial justice, and economic empowerment of our people. She was a lifelong champion for justice and equity, and never stopped fighting for a brighter future for our country.

“As she called me ‘daughter,’ I’m so proud to have known her as my ‘Mama Dukes, mentor, and friend.’ Her legacy will live on forever, and we will always remember her extraordinary contributions and impact for generations to come.

“May she Rest in Power.”

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