Aaron Dixon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aaron Dixon
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Dixon in 2012
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 2, 1949 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
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| Residences | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Occupation | Political Activist |
Aaron L. Dixon (born January 2, 1949) is an American activist who has worked for social change. He was an early leader of the Black Panther Party in Seattle. Later, in 2006, he ran for a seat in the United States Senate in Washington state as a member of the Green Party.
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Early Life and Activism
Aaron Dixon grew up in Chicago, Illinois. As a young person, he became involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Seattle to help end unfair housing rules. He also volunteered for a program that helped integrate schools by busing students.
The death of Dr. King in 1968 deeply affected Aaron Dixon. This event inspired him to join the Black Power Movement. Soon after, he and his brother Elmer helped start the first Black Panther Party chapter outside of California. This new chapter was in Seattle.
Making a Difference with the Black Panthers
While with the Black Panthers, Dixon helped create important community programs. He started the Free Breakfast for Children program. This program fed thousands of hungry African American children. He also helped open a free community medical and legal clinic. This clinic still helps people today as the Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center.
Aaron Dixon also worked in politics. He helped with the campaign for Lionel Wilson. Wilson became the first Black mayor of Oakland, California in 1977.
Helping Youth and the Homeless
After leaving the Black Panthers, Dixon continued his work for the community. He worked for several non-profit organizations. These groups focused on helping young people and those without homes.
In 2002, he started Central House. This non-profit group provides transitional housing for young adults who are homeless. Central House also has a Youth Leadership Project. This project works with high school students in Seattle. It teaches them to think positively and to serve their community. It also helps them to graduate and shape their own futures.
Aaron Dixon is a father of six children. He now lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Running for U.S. Senate in 2006
On March 9, 2006, Aaron Dixon announced he would run for the U.S. Senate. He sought the Green Party's nomination. He wanted to challenge the current Senator, Maria Cantwell. He disagreed with her support for the U.S. presence in Iraq. He also opposed the USA PATRIOT Act.
Dixon's Campaign Ideas
His campaign focused on several key ideas:
- He wanted U.S. troops to leave Iraq right away.
- He called for the repeal of the PATRIOT Act.
- He supported same-sex marriage.
- He wanted a system of universal single-payer health care. This means everyone would have health care.
- He wanted to end the war on drugs.
- He wanted to focus more on helping people who live in poverty.
On May 13, 2006, the Green Party of Washington State chose Dixon as their candidate. His name appeared on the November ballot. Other candidates included Maria Cantwell, Bruce Guthrie, Robin Adair, and Mike McGavick.
Debate and Election Results
Aaron Dixon did not meet the requirements to join a televised debate. These requirements included showing a certain level of public support or fundraising.
The election results for the U.S. Senate race were:
- Maria Cantwell (Democrat): 56.81%
- Mike McGavick (Republican): 39.91%
- Bruce Guthrie (Libertarian): 1.41%
- Aaron Dixon (Green): 1.02%
- Robin Adair (Independent): 0.79%
- Write-ins: 0.07%
After the Campaign
After the election, Dixon turned his campaign organization into the Center for Social Justice. This center is based in Seattle. In January 2007, the Center organized a large anti-war rally and march in Seattle. Thousands of people attended.
In 2012, Aaron Dixon wrote a book about his life. It is called My People Are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Party Captain.
Images for kids
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Aaron Dixon and supporters protesting exclusion from a debate.
See also
- List of African-American United States Senate candidates
