Brooklyn, NY – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

Today, our nation lost a hero. With considerable pain and deep gratitude, we mourn the loss of the legendary Hazel Dukes, a giant who blazed a mighty trail for generations that stood on her shoulders in New York and throughout the nation. As an iconic President of the NAACP and the leader of our New York chapter, Dr. Dukes was a fierce civil rights champion, defender of the disenfranchised and voice for the voiceless. 

Dr. Dukes never hesitated to speak truth to power, and always fought for a nation anchored in the principle of liberty and justice for all. Her impact will be felt for decades to come, including through her work to launch the Head Start program that supports children and families across the country. I pray for Hazel’s son Ronald, the entire Dukes family and all who loved her. May she forever rest in power. 

###