There’s been a significant change on Wilmington City Council with six new faces taking office this month, including a historic record number of African American women.
Among them is At-Large Councilwoman Rysheema Dixon.
At 30 years old - Dixon is the youngest council member and a Wilmingtontonian by choice.
She says the Southbridge neighborhood is like her second home – and she’s found residents there have many needs - starting with jobs.
“When I asked some of the guys hanging around the corners and try to get them engaged into our meetings, jobs were some of the main things they said they needed," Dixon said.
Dixon adds there’s also a lack of business diversity there. Currently, Southbridge is limited to a corner store, liquor stores, one seafood restaurant and a barber shop.
She feels the community would benefit from the presence of additional businesses - like a Walgreens - and other meeting places.
“We definitely need more retail…there’s not enough retail," Dixon said. "We’d also love to have like a coffee shop.”
Dixon has worked with many nonprofit programs and groups like the Hope Commission’s Hope Zone, and has helped youth share their voices through a "Photovoice" project in which youth took photos of what success looks like to them in their community.
As a councilwoman she hopes to ensure the voices – especially of those under 30 years or age – are heard.
“I think I didn’t realize how resilient our city is until I started walking the blocks and realizing what voices have been lost along the way," Dixon said.
She adds she’s heard many from residents who feel disempowered, and hopes to re-energize communities and ensure they have a voice when decisions are made.
