Interview with Belinda A. Dixon, March of 2006

The Honorable Belinda A. Dixon (b. October 27, 1951) is the female Democratic District Leader for the 61st Assembly District of New York, Second Zone and a current civilian employee of the New York City Police Department. Her father was a construction worker from North Carolina and her mother was a cook from there as well. She discusses her childhood in North Carolina, her family and the involvement of the church in her life. She then goes to explain her move to New York City, and her career as a secretary with the New York City Police Department. She next goes into an in-depth explanation of her work in the labor movement as a member of District Council 37, the largest municipal employees union in New York City. In the labor movement she talks about her work as an African American and a woman as well. She then goes on to chronicle her political involvement starting also with the labor involvement. She explains her work as a Democratic County Committeewoman, her first convention experience as a 1992 Clinton Delegate to the Democratic National Convention, her election as the top vote getter as a 2000 Gore Delegate and finally her election as an Edwards Delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention. She describes in detail the delegate selection process in New York as well as her meetings with influential elected officials at the convention. Finally, she discusses her work in the local community, and offers advice for women who wish to be involved in government.

Interviewed by Michael A. Armato’06.