Mourners remember Hazel Dukes, civil rights icon and former NAACP NY president, at funeral service
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Community members came together to remember the legacy of civil rights icon Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes during her celebration of life service on Wednesday.
From everyday New Yorkers to prominent political leaders, a long line of mourners poured into the Mother Zion AME Church in Harlem for Dukes' funeral.
"Hazel Dukes was the mother of civil rights to the North," Rev. Al Sharpton said.
Also in attendance for Dukes' funeral service included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
"Hazel Dukes was my friend, she was my supporter, she was a mentor and she left a lasting legacy particularly on this city," Clinton said.
The 92-year-old civil rights activist died on March 1. Her influence on the Democratic landscape for the past seven decades was unmistakable at her homegoing celebration.
"She was a spiritual advisor, I called on her often," said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul outside the church.
Dukes led the New York State NAACP for nearly five decades, fought tirelessly for voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and education throughout her career.
She's advised many of New York City's power players in office and helped women ascend to the nation's highest offices. She even took the stage at the 1972 DNC during the Presidential candidacy of Shirley Chisholm.
"There was nothing that any of us did, from the '80s in Howard Beach all the way to Rodney King, all the way to now with the fights in New York, Eric Garner, then onto George Floyd, that she was not our partner," Sharpton said.
Dukes' farewell service began at Mother Zion AME Church Tuesday night for a wake, drawing mourners to the church where she worshipped.
This followed tributes that have poured in from across the city state, and the country, highlighting the tireless work of Dukes and efforts shaping the political landscape.
The pastor of the Harlem church reflected on her life and her wishes for Wednesday's send off.
"She wanted her celebration of life to be in a cathedral of Black excellence, filled with Black empowerment, among the people that she's labored to support, and among the people for which she advocated," said Rev. Dr. Malcolm Byrd, Mother AME Zion Church. "This was her kingdom and she ruled it as a queen would, with grace, with dignity, and with love."
There was a joyful spirit inside the church on Wednesday, with tribute after tribute to Dukes' unabashed approach to advocacy and leadership.
The message: to pick up the torch of "Mama Dukes" and keep fighting for what's right.
"No matter who we are, the question becomes are we going to finish this journey we call life that has no guarantee of immortality but we are mortal?" New York City Mayor Eric Adams asked mourners. "Are we going to be half full? Are we going to leave the best we have in the carton. Ma Dukes was good to the last drop."
The last time Eyewitness News saw Dukes was when she stood next to Mayor Eric Adams after he was indicted.
Even then, she was not shy from the microphone as she raised her voice.
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