Lawmakers and community leaders gathered on Saturday, March 18 conducted a special street naming ceremony in Nassau County in honor of Hazel Dukes, civil rights pioneer and president of the NAACP’s New York State Conference for her fight for civil rights, education, housing and justiceThe ceremony took place outside the Roslyn Garden Apartments in Roslyn, NY where she made instrumental impact when she became the complex’s first African American resident.
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Congratulations to Dr. Hazel N. Dukes on the street renaming in her honor this past weekend in Roslyn, NY. A Black woman who defied the odds and through her faith, hard work, fearless nature, passion and commitment to equality and justice has lived a life full of purpose. As a result she has positively impacted the lives of countless people across this country. We thank God for Dr Dukes and pray that those of us who love and admire her use her life as an inspiration to continue the fight that she has given her life to improve society for the betterment of others.
—-Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair, NAACP Board of Directors
The Honorable Dr. Hazel N Dukes a trailblazer par excellence, a woman who believes in “to whom much is given much is required. On Saturday, March 18, 2023, the Town of Rosalyn Heights (North Hempstead) NY recognized her for being a true patriot by naming the street where she lived the Dr Hazel Dukes Way.
Whatever challenge came her way more than 70 years ago or today, be it quality education for Black children, fair housing, voting rights or social justice she was there to correct and correct she did and continues to do. Dr. Dukes uses her God given gifts and Human Resources with other like-minded individuals; groups to strive for quality, equity and diversity. In sum, my sister friend is a woman whose life stands firmly on a triangle of faith in God, family and community services.
—-Mary Redd, President & CEO at Steinway Child and Family Services, Inc.
Dr. Hazel N Dukes is our Queen Mother.
She has been on the frontlines in the battle for the liberation of our people for a generation. She has personified Micah’s imperative for all of Humanity to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Dukes teaches us by the sermon that she lives to love God and love God’s people. She is a woman of great compassion for those who have been marginalized and disenfranchised. She has met their needs with actions not simply pity and prayer. Take heed Beloved! I implore you to take heed, for God has given us an angel who holds the keys to that Blessed City of God!
Love,
—-Reverend Monte Malik Chandler
“Dr. Hazel Dukes is a distinguished trailblazer, a remarkable woman, and a source of inspiration for us all. Her unwavering support was pivotal in my first mayoral campaign, where I had the honor of becoming Long Island’s first African American Mayor. I consider her a genuine and cherished friend.
Dr. Dukes has dedicated her life to championing civil and human rights causes. Her advocacy stretches back decades, and she has been a steadfast supporter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and numerous other leaders. Her leadership of the New York State NAACP and her resolute support of local organizations in Long Island stand as testament to her remarkable impact.
Today, we pay tribute to Dr. Dukes by renaming a street in her honor. This momentous occasion serves as a reminder of the profound impact she has made as an American, educator, and religious leader.”
—-James A. Garner, Former Mayor of Village of Hempstead
The name and legacy of Hazel N. Dukes will live on in the hearts and minds of those from New York’s corporate suites to a Roslyn, NY Village street renamed Dr. Hazel Dukes Way. The street naming ceremony was a beautiful Village tribute to a civil rights heroine who has dedicated her life to equity and justice for the residents of her beloved New York.
—-Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman Emerita, NAACP National Board of Directors