[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 43 (Thursday, March 6, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1024-H1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING DR. HAZEL NELL DUKES

  (Ms. CLARKE of New York asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. 
Only days ago, New York State and our Nation lost a giant, an icon with 
the passing of Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes.
  I have known Dr. Dukes for most of my life, and I consider it one of 
my greatest blessings to have called her my friend, mentor, soror, Link 
Sister, and inspiration.
  When we look back on Dr. Dukes' remarkable life, we will remember her 
tireless advocacy and work to further

[[Page H1025]]

racial diversity, equity and inclusion, and prosperity for the Black 
community. We will remember her leadership as president of the NAACP 
and its New York chapter, which solidified her as a source for social 
action and change. We will remember how she stood tall against the 
oppressive status quo of Jim Crow and paved the way forward to a more 
enlightened, more accepting, more loving era for our country and world.
  I know I will remember the image of her arm in arm with my mother, 
Dr. Una Clarke, at the Democratic Convention, where they stood in the 
trenches together, fighting for the Black community at each other's 
sides.
  Truly, Dr. Dukes lived a life of courage, resolve, and unmatched 
tenacity. We owe her a debt of gratitude that can never be measured or 
repaid, and I will miss my friend's warmth and wisdom so dearly.
  Ma Dukes, we will never forget you. May you rest in power. May you 
rest in peace.

                          ____________________