(BLACK PR WIRE)--COLLEGE PARK, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the loss of public relations pioneer Ofield Dukes, Founder of Ofield Dukes & Associates, a prominent African-American owned public relations firm in Washington, DC. Dukes died early this morning at Henry Ford Hospital in his hometown of Detroit. Born August 8, 1932, Dukes was 79 years old and died after a long bout with multiple myeloma, a rare form of bone cancer.

“We are extremely saddened by the loss of our dear friend,” said NABJ President Gregory Lee Jr. “Ofield Dukes revolutionized the public relations industry by increasing the visibility of African-Americans working in the field. Mr. Dukes will forever be regarded as a standard bearer for public relations professionals of all races. A true giant in the world of PR, he will truly be missed.”

Founding Ofield Dukes & Associates in 1969 and operating the firm in Washington for over four decades, Dukes' clientele included non-profit, political organizations, national and international corporations. He operated one of the most successful public relations firms in the nation's Capital and specialized expertise in minority affairs, particularly African-American, African, and political affairs. A world-wide traveler, Dukes was a consultant to many international figures and organizations. As a result of his outstanding professional excellence, knowledge and service, Ofield Dukes was recognized as being among the most successful public relations executives in the country.

"Mr. Dukes has served as a mentor and a friend to journalists and media professionals around the world. NABJ will strive to keep Mr. Dukes' memory and his accomplishments alive,” added Dawn A. Roberts, NABJ Associate Representative.