Grace Meng: “Today, I rise in honor of Dr. Hazel Dukes, a lifelong activist, a champion for civil rights, and the president of the…”

“Today, I rise in honor of Dr. Hazel Dukes, a lifelong activist, a champion for civil rights, and the president of the NAACP New York State Conference. Dr. Dukes' fierce commitment to fighting for equality and justice is simply unmatched. She was a trailblazer in New York State and across the country, a renowned community organizer, and a leading voice at the NAACP for nearly 40 years. She worked tirelessly for equity in housing, healthcare, and education. I remember sitting next to Dr. Dukes at a long meeting where we were standing for hours, clapping and cheering. I was so tired and kept trying to sit down, but she reminded me that it was a privilege to be there, and I stood right back up. Dr. Dukes' strength came from her compassion and love for our communities. The legacy that she leaves behind will inspire women, girls, and advocates across New York for generations to come. It was an honor to have known Dr. Dukes. May she rest in power. ____________________”