Hazel Mae Land, Esquire

Hazel Mae Land, a pioneering African-American attorney, educator, and civil rights advocate, passed away on February 2, 2026. A native of Brooksville, Florida, she leaves behind a profound legacy of service, courage, and dedication to justice and equality.
 
Born on June 12, 1932 to Allie Mae Larry Land and Esau Land, during the era of segregation, Ms. Land grew up confronting barriers that would ultimately shape her life’s purpose. She graduated from Moton High School in 1949, where she excelled academically, athletically, and socially. Encouraged by family and educators, she pursued higher education at Tuskegee University in the early 1950s, studying education while working to support herself. During her time there, she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporatedthrough the Theta Beta Chapter, beginning a lifelong commitment to sisterhood and service.
 
Hazel began her professional journey as an educator, teaching in Alabama, New Jersey, and Florida. Inspired by a deep sense of civic responsibility, she volunteered for the Peace Corps following its creation under President John F. Kennedy. She served in the Philippines and Nigeria, immersing herself in local communities, learning dialects and customs, and gaining a global perspective that would inform her lifelong advocacy. She often reflected on the significance of living among others without racial division, describing the experience as transformative.
 
Upon returning to the United States, Hazel became actively involved with the NAACP, working tirelessly to advance civil rights throughout the South. She served as Tennessee State Director, often operating as the organization’s sole paid staff member, encouraging small communities to form chapters and strengthen collective advocacy. She was on duty in Memphis in 1968 during the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an experience that deepened her commitment to justice. She later served as Florida State Secretary, continuing her leadership and outreach.
 
Determined to equip her community with knowledge of their legal rights, Hazel pursued a law degree at the University of Florida Levin College of Law from 1970 to 1973. In 1973, she became the first African-American woman to graduate from the College of Law, a historic achievement that reflected both perseverance and purpose.
 
Throughout her legal career, she remained guided by service rather than prestige. She practiced law in Clearwater before dedicating nine years to Withlacoochee Area Legal Services in Brooksville, where she represented indigent clients in civil matters. Known for her modest lifestyle and unwavering integrity, she chose to advocate for those in need, often working alone to ensure she could serve clients regardless of their financial means. Her commitment extended to public service through her candidacy for judicial office, reflecting her continued desire to uplift her community.
 
Hazel’s accomplishments were never framed as personal triumphs, but as responsibilities she felt called to fulfill. From witnessing injustice in her youth to participating in pivotal moments of the civil rights era, she devoted her life to education, advocacy, and empowerment.
 
Hazel was also very active in her church, Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she served as a member of the senior choir and mission board. She will be remembered as a trailblazer, mentor, advocate, and servant-leader whose life’s work strengthened communities and opened doors for future generations. Her legacy continues through those she inspired and the progress she helped create.
 
She was preceded in death by her Mother and Father, Allie Mae Land Thompson and Esau Land and two sisters: Carrie Belle Martin and Rosa Etta Perry.
She leaves the following to cherish her memories: first cousins: Eloise Larry Wright (Brooksville);  Cynthia Yvonne Williams (Spring Hill);  Deacon Andrew Williams, Jr. (Annie) (Brooksville); Olga Lee Taliferro (West Palm Beach); Cheryl Taliferro Herd (Dennis) (Miami); Peggy Henry (Brooksville);  Sylvia Larry Butcher (Tampa);  Sandra Irene Larry (Alabama) ; Ellen Larry Vigil (Tampa);  Barbara Larry Minkler (Georgia);  Dr. Gloria Larry House  (Michigan);  Malik  Azeez (West Palm Beach);  Judith Larry Berry (Adam) (Arizona);  Lisa Larry (Kissimmee);  Goddaughter, Atavia Y’Maur Williams (Georgia) and the entire Moody Timmons Family.
 
We would also like to express or sincerest gratitude to Ms. Land’s devoted caregivers: Licia Roundtree and Courtney Jackson.

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