TWU Local 100 Mourns the loss of Hazel Dukes

TWU Local 100 is mourning the loss of distinguished Black leader and trailblazer Hazel Dukes, who passed away this morning at the age of 92. Coming from Alabama to New York in 1955, she started school at Nassau Community College. She worked for President Lyndon Johnson's Head Start program in the 60's, becoming an outspoken leader. From 1989 to 1992, she served as the national President of the NAACP.

In 2015, she was given a recognition award by TWU Local 100 at our Black History celebration, presented by then-Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp.

In January of 2023, in recognition of the high esteem in which she was held by New Yorkers, Dukes was on had to swear in Kathy Hochul as the first elected female Governor of New York State. "Hazel Dukes was a leading light to generations of New Yorkers in the fight for civil rights," said TWU Local 100 President John Chiarello. "She was a friend to the TWU and she will be missed by transit workers." International President John Samuelsen said: “Hazel Dukes was an ally and an inspiration to all of us in the labor movement. She never gave up. She never quit. Her commitment was unwavering, and her impact was tremendous—a true champion.”

Main photo captures TWU Local 100 standing alongside Hazel Dukes and Assembly Member Robert Jackson, a reminder of the lasting bonds she forged with our union and the broader fight for justice.

Below: TWU Local 100’s 2015 Black History Celebration where Hazel Duke was given an award presented by then-Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp.

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