[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING COUNCILWOMAN RYSHEEMA DIXON--FORMER WILMINGTON CITY 
                     COUNCILWOMAN AND ENTREPRENEUR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to honor and commemorate the life of former Wilmington City 
Councilwoman Rysheema Dixon. We lost Councilwoman Dixon unexpectedly 
and far too soon on September 16, 2022. During her 35 years of life, 
she demonstrated exceptional leadership, entrepreneurship, and 
dedication to public service. The people of Delaware, myself included, 
will profoundly miss Councilwoman Dixon and her inimitable spirit.
  Councilwoman Dixon was born in Philadelphia and moved to Wilmington, 
Delaware, at the age of 15. After graduating from the University of 
Delaware in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology, she began her 
career by serving two terms with Public Allies Delaware. Public Allies, 
an AmeriCorps program at the University of Delaware's Center for 
Community Research and Service, recruits and trains emerging leaders 
with a passion for social justice and impact. In 2013, Councilwoman 
Dixon furthered her education, earning her master's degree from the 
University of Delaware. She would later return to her alma mater as an 
educator, to share the knowledge she had gained with the next 
generation of students, serving as a professor of social 
entrepreneurship.
  Councilwoman Dixon was a true public servant. As the first Black 
woman and youngest candidate to win an at-large Wilmington City Council 
seat, she was an exceptional and tireless advocate for her community. 
During her time in office, she established a legacy of inclusion, 
creative policymaking, and fearlessness. Notably, Councilwoman Dixon 
served as Chair of the Community Development & Urban Planning 
Committee, Chair of the Health, Aging, & Disabilities Committee, and 
Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee. Among her significant 
legislative accomplishments was the launch of Wilmington's first 
disparity study which would help ensure Wilmington City government used 
its purchasing power fairly and equitably. She also sponsored 
legislation promoting sex education, consent, and reproductive health.
  In addition to her years of direct public service, I must also 
mention Councilwoman Dixon's entrepreneurial prowess and talents in 
business. In 2011, she founded RD Innovative Planning, now called RD 
Innovative Solutions. The organization aims to educate and support 
individuals advocating for more equitable access to affordable services 
and resources. With issues spanning from health care to nutrition, 
education, youth development, and beyond, RD Innovative Solutions 
offers support and advice. Councilwoman Dixon remained the Chief 
Executive Officer until her untimely passing.
  Councilwoman Dixon also served as Executive Director of Delaware 
Pathways to Apprenticeship which helps individuals from low-income 
communities attain apprenticeships and sets them up for future success. 
The program serves particularly vulnerable groups including formerly 
incarcerated people, those on public assistance, and Delawareans living 
in public housing. This year, Councilwoman Dixon launched a Global 
Social Entrepreneurship program in Liberia to reach young people across 
the world.
  I know I am in the company of so many Delawareans in my grief at 
Councilwoman Dixon's passing. She was a singular force in the First 
State and in our world, and we will never forget her kindness, 
tenacity, compassion, and service. I extend my deepest condolences to 
Councilwoman Dixon's parents and loved ones. Councilwoman Rysheema 
Dixon made a true difference in Delaware and beyond, and I am so 
grateful to have had the opportunity to know her. She will be missed 
and remembered forever.

                          ____________________