[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MA DUKES

  (Mr. MEEKS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened today for the passing of 
Dr. Hazel Dukes. We called her Ma Dukes.
  Ma Dukes' lifelong commitment to equality, from breaking racial 
barriers in New York to leading the NAACP at the national and State 
levels, has left an indelible mark on our society. She was a 
trailblazer. For many of us, she was our present-day Sojourner Truth.
  In 1966, Ma Dukes became the first Black woman employed at the Nassau 
County Attorney's Office. Her tireless work for voting rights, fair 
housing, education, and economic development uplifted countless 
individuals and communities. Through her leadership and determination, 
she not only changed policies but also inspired generations to continue 
the fight for justice.
  While words cannot fully ease the pain of such great loss, I find 
comfort in the extraordinary legacy that she leaves behind. May her 
memory continue to inspire us all to carry forward the work she so 
passionately championed.
  As all of us grieve in the State of New York and across America, we 
find peace in the words of Psalms 34:18: ``The Lord is close to the 
brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.''
  May His presence bring strength, wisdom, and healing to all who are 
mourning the loss of the great Ma Dukes, a woman of warmth, wisdom, and 
unwavering dedication to those she served. Her impact has extended 
beyond her advocacy. She was a mentor, friend, and guiding force to me 
and so many others.

                          ____________________