Irma Muse Dixon facts for kids
Irma Muse Dixon (born July 18, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana) is an important African-American leader. She has worked as a social worker and manager. She also became a politician, making history as the first African-American person elected to the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC). She served on the PSC, representing the Third District, from 1992 to 2004.
Before joining the PSC, Dixon represented District 95 in the Louisiana House of Representatives for four years. She was first elected in 1988 and then again in 1991. She left her second term in the House after winning her election to the PSC in 1992. Her twelve years of service on the PSC were recognized with a special award from the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners in 2004. She has also held important jobs in the government of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. In 2009, she was chosen to lead Beacon of Hope, a non-profit group in the city.
Early Life and Learning
Irma Muse Dixon was born in 1952 in New Orleans. She went to schools in her hometown. At that time, schools were still separated by race. She graduated from Walter L. Cohen Senior High School. Later, she earned her first college degree, a B.A., from Southern University in Baton Rouge. She then continued her studies and received a Master of Social Work degree from Tulane University.
After serving in the state legislature, Dixon was given a special opportunity. She received a fellowship at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. This allowed her to study and learn even more about government and leadership.
Her Career in Public Service
In the early 1980s, Irma Dixon worked with the Total Community Action Agency. She also worked at its Central City Health Clinic. This agency was led by Dorothy Mae Taylor. Taylor was the first African-American woman to serve in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Through her work at this agency, Dixon helped to prepare many young black leaders for important roles in politics.
Dixon joined the Democratic Party and decided to run for office herself. In 1988, she was elected to the Louisiana State House. She represented District 95 in New Orleans. She was elected again in 1991 for a second term.
The next year, in 1992, she was elected to the Public Service Commission (PSC) from the Third District. The PSC is a group that makes rules for important services like electricity, gas, and telephone companies. After winning this election, she resigned from her seat in the state House. She was re-elected to the PSC and served there until 2004.
In 2002, Dixon tried to win a seat in the U.S. Congress. She ran to represent Louisiana's 2nd congressional district. However, she lost that election to the person who was already holding the position, William J. Jefferson.
In 2004, she ran for re-election to the PSC for District 3. She came in third place in the first election. In 2007, Dixon also ran for an open seat in the Louisiana Senate for District 5. She was not elected in that race.
After Her Time in Elected Office
Even after leaving elected office, Irma Dixon continued to serve the public. She worked in the state government with the Office of Employment Training and Development. She was also appointed as an undersecretary in the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. This department helps with things like parks and museums. She also worked for the city of New Orleans as the Director of the Department of Recreation. This job involved overseeing city parks and activities.
She has also worked as a security manager for a company called Xyant Technology.
Irma Dixon has always been very active in her community. She has been involved with many important groups. These include the Urban League, the Boys and Girls Club of New Orleans, and the YWCA. She is also a member of New Orleans' Second Baptist Church.
In 2009, Dixon was chosen to lead Beacon of Hope. This is a non-profit organization in New Orleans that helps people and does good work for the community.
