By Aneesa Grant, The Seattle Medium
Thomas Dixon, a beloved civil rights leader and founder of the Tacoma Urban League (TUL), passed away on April 26 at the age of 92. Dixon spent his professional life in Tacoma, Washington, and became a prominent figure in the community during the 1960s and ’70s. His passing was announced by the TUL, who released a statement celebrating his life and legacy.
“It is with both deep sadness and great joy that we celebrate Thomas Dixon’s life and legacy following his passing on April 26,” the TUL said in their statement. “Mr. Dixon’s leadership, vision and passion created opportunities for many returning from war. He understood those challenges, having been an airman at McChord Air Force Base. He was a strong advocate for our community and created programming that opened the doors for housing, employment, education and social service—foundational resources for people returning home from war during that time. Those programmatic pillars and the tone of advocacy he set remain foundational to the work we do today at TUL.”
Dixon was born in Sparta, Georgia, on March 28, 1931, and spent his early life on his grandfather’s farm. His grandfather, a former slave, became one of the largest Black landowners in the county and instilled a strong work ethic and commitment to education in his family. Dixon’s father graduated from Morehouse College and became a doctor, while Dixon himself joined the Air Force in 1951.
Dixon completed college at Sophia University in Tokyo with a degree in sociology and economics and later received a master’s degree in urban studies from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. He spent his professional life in Tacoma and became a champion for civil rights and social justice. In 1966, he was appointed as the first director of the Hilltop Multi-service Center, which served Tacoma’s most impoverished neighborhood.
In 1966, he was the first director of the Hilltop Multi-service Center, going on to establish multi-service centers throughout Washington based on the Hilltop model. When a committee formed to study the feasibility of a Tacoma office of the Urban League in 1966, Mr. Dixon was chosen to lead it. In 1968, when the Tacoma Urban League opened its doors, he became its founding president. More than thirty years later, he continued to serve as president emeritus.
Under Dixon’s leadership, the Tacoma Urban League ran wide-ranging programs in job training and employment, education, community and economic development, and social and health services. The organization dedicated a new building in 1976, becoming the first local affiliate in the nation to build and own its own building.
“Mr. Dixon’s legacy of work to create opportunities for people in Tacoma will live on through the work of TUL,” the organization said. “His vision of advocacy and commitment to providing foundational resources for people who need them the most is something that the TUL continues to prioritize.”
Dixon also played a key role in mentoring Black civic leaders in Tacoma through the establishment of the Black Collective, which was formed in response to the Mother’s Day Disturbance, a community uprising that occurred in 1969. Dixon was among the African American leaders who helped quell violence and win concessions from the city.
“Mr. Dixon also mentored generations of Black civic leaders through the establishment of the Black Collective, in collaboration with other Black leaders,” the TUL said. “Mr. Dixon was among the Black leaders who helped youth win concessions from the city and avoid impending violence.”
Throughout his life, Dixon remained dedicated to the collective and ongoing fight for racial and social justice. His legacy lives on in the impact he made in Tacoma and the inspiration he provided to those who knew him.
“Our love and condolences go out to his wife Sylvia Dixon and their family,” said T’wina Nobles, TUL President and CEO. “We are grateful for the ways he loved his community in both word and action. His life was dedicated to our collective and ongoing fight for racial and social justice. Tacoma Urban League is forever grateful for his contribution to this world and the example he set for so many.”
According to those who knew him, Dixon’s life and legacy will continue to inspire generations of leaders in Tacoma and beyond, as the work of the Tacoma Urban League and other organizations continue to prioritize the needs of those who need it the most.
“As we mourn the loss of Mr. Dixon, we must also celebrate his life and the impact he made on our community,” the TUL said. “His legacy will continue to inspire us to fight for justice and work towards a better future for all.”
