Speaker Heastie Statement on the Passing of Hazel Dukes

It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the loss of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, president of the New York State NAACP. A dedicated civil rights leader, she committed her life to working on the frontlines of the fight for equality, bringing a seat to the table when none was in sight. Not only was she a stalwart in the political and advocacy arenas, she was an amazing friend to so many. I was proud to call her a close friend and mother figure. Her legacy is an inspiration to me. She made our community, our state and our country a better place to live. I extend my prayers and condolences to her family and friends.