Irma Muse Dixon facts for kids

Irma Muse Dixon was born on July 18, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is an African-American politician, social worker, and manager. She made history as the first African-American person elected to the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC).

Dixon served on the PSC, representing the Third District, from 1992 to 2004. Before that, she was a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. She represented District 95 for four years, starting in 1988. She left the House after winning her election to the PSC in 1992. Her work on the PSC earned her an award in 2004.

She also held important jobs in the government of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. In 2009, she became the leader of Beacon of Hope, a non-profit group in the city.

Early Life and Education

Irma Muse Dixon was born in New Orleans in 1952. She went to local schools there. At that time, schools were separated by race. She graduated from Walter L. Cohen Senior High School.

Dixon then earned her first college degree, a B.A., from Southern University in Baton Rouge. Later, she earned a Master of Social Work degree from Tulane University. After working in the state legislature, she received a special fellowship. This allowed her to study at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Political Career and Public Service

Starting in Public Service

In the early 1980s, Irma Dixon worked for the Total Community Action Agency. She also worked at its Central City Health Clinic. This clinic was led by Dorothy Mae Taylor. Taylor was the first African-American woman to serve in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Through this work, Dixon helped prepare many young black leaders for politics.

Dixon joined the Democratic Party and decided to run for office. In 1988, she was elected to the Louisiana State House. She represented District 95 in New Orleans. She was re-elected for a second time in 1991.

Serving on the Public Service Commission

In 1992, Dixon was elected to the Public Service Commission (PSC). She represented the Third District. The PSC is a group that helps regulate important services. These services include things like electricity, water, and telephone companies. After winning this election, she left her job 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 already holding the seat.

In 2004, she ran for re-election to the PSC. She finished third in the first round of voting. In 2007, Dixon ran for an open seat in the Louisiana Senate. She did not win that election.

Work After Elected Office

After her time in elected office, Irma Dixon continued to serve the public. She worked for the state government in different roles. One of her jobs was with the Office of Employment Training and Development. She was also appointed as an undersecretary. This was in the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

Dixon also worked for the city government of New Orleans. She was appointed as the Director of the Department of Recreation. She also works as a security manager for a company called Xyant Technology.

Irma Dixon has always been active in her community. She has been involved with many groups. These include the Urban League and the Boys and Girls Club of New Orleans. She also worked with the YWCA. She is a member of New Orleans' Second Baptist Church. In 2009, Dixon was chosen to lead Beacon of Hope. This is a non-profit group in New Orleans that helps people.