In the FY 2024 Budget, Governor Hochul Established the SUNY Black Leadership Institute to Identify, Foster, and Support the Development and Retention of Current and Emerging Leaders
Starting with the Inaugural Cohort in March 2024, One Exceptional Student from Every Cycle Will be Named a Dr. Hazel Dukes Fellow
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Governor Also Announces Next SUNY Portrait Competition to be Held in Honor of Dr. Hazel Dukes; Winning Portrait to be Displayed in H. Carl McCall SUNY Building in Albany
Governor Announced New Scholarship at 53rd Annual Legislative Conference of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the State University of New York Black Leadership Institute will establish the Dr. Hazel Dukes Fellowship, naming one exceptional individual from each cohort in honor of Dr. Hazel Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference and former member of the SUNY Board of Trustees. Governor Hochul also announced that the next SUNY portrait competition will be held in honor of Dr. Hazel Dukes, and the winning portrait will be displayed in the H. Carl McCall SUNY building in Albany in honor of her service. Governor Hochul made this announcement during her remarks to the 53rd annual conference of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators (NYSABPRHAL) in Albany.
“For her entire career, Dr. Hazel Dukes has been an unrelenting force in the fight for civil rights and equality in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this fellowship and portrait, we are honoring the legacy of Dr. Dukes and ensuring her critical work is enshrined for generations to come.”
“Dr. Hazel Dukes has been a tireless champion in the fight for civil and racial justice,” said Lieutenant Governor Delgado. “She has moved mountains in order to further equality and equity in this state. Her achievements will inspire New Yorkers and our SUNY students for generations to come.”
New York State Commission on African American History Vice-Chair and SUNY Trustee Dr. Hazel Dukes said, “I had the privilege of serving on the SUNY Board of Trustees for six years, and I know the commitment of the institution to fostering our leaders of tomorrow. Equally, I know that education can deliver you out of poverty and bring you into another sphere of respect and it changes lives. I’m thrilled to receive this honor to help educate, train and cultivate exceptional students at SUNY, and I thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to the next generation of New Yorkers.”
The inaugural Black Leadership Institute (BLI) cohort will begin their program in March 2024. Starting this year, the BLI will honor one exceptional student every cycle as a Dr. Hazel Dukes Fellow who embodies the values, accomplishments, passion, clear thinking, and dedication to the cause of diversity, equity and justice that have defined Dr. Dukes’ career and life. The steering committee will announce their selection at graduation.
The SUNY Black Leadership Institute was established as a part of Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget to identify, foster, and support the development and retention of current and emerging leaders for an increasingly diverse university system and nation. Additionally, SUNY will hold its next portrait competition for students and alumni in honor of Dr. Dukes, and the winning portrait will be displayed in the H. Carl McCall SUNY building in Albany. SUNY will launch the competition this fall.
Dr. Hazel Dukes currently serves as President of the NAACP New York State Conference and as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, a member of the NAACP Executive Committee, and as an active member of various NAACP board sub-committees. Through her service, advocacy, and mentorship, Dr. Dukes has dedicated her life to fighting for equality and improving the quality of life for New Yorkers.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “At SUNY, we believe in the power of representation and the crucial role of diverse leadership in shaping an educational system that truly reflects and serves the needs of all its members. Dr. Hazel Dukes is part of the remarkable lineage of African American leaders who have fought to uplift African Americans, and all Americans. Her work began with fighting housing discrimination in Nassau County six decades ago, continued with her efforts under President Lyndon Johnson to establish and grow Head Start, and is perhaps most notable for her leadership of the NAACP. Honoring a BLI fellow with this award extends this great tradition of leadership and service.”
State Senator Lea Webb said, “It’s important that we foster the development of current and future leaders of higher education in New York. I’m proud to have sponsored the legislation, along with Assemblymember Jean-Pierre, that establishes the SUNY Black Leadership Institute. This visionary program will cultivate and support leaders within our state colleges. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to this initiative. I congratulate Dr. Hazel Dukes for having the institute’s prestigious fellowship and portrait competition named in her honor. Dr. Dukes is a trailblazer for civil rights and a mentor whose legacy will continue to inspire participants of the Black Leadership Institute.”
Assemblymember, Deputy Majority Leader and Chair of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus Michaelle Solages said, “On behalf of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, I commend Governor Hochul for recognizing Dr. Hazel Dukes’ unwavering dedication to equality in New York State. The fellowship and portrait, honoring her legacy, ensure that her transformative contributions will continue to inspire future generations. It is imperative that we honor our civil rights heroes in the present, ensuring their invaluable work is not only celebrated but also preserved for posterity.”
Assemblymember Kimberly Jean-Pierre said, “I was proud to push for the creation of a Black Leadership Institute to support professional growth and leadership development for people of color within the SUNY system. Dr. Hazel N. Dukes is a dynamic leader who has been a tireless advocate for equity and justice in New York State and across the country. It is very fitting to name a fellowship in her honor and my expectation is that fellows who follow in Dr. Dukes footsteps will continue the fight to improve diversity.”
