Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Dixon.
Hi Robin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m an Arkansas native but lived in Memphis most of my life. Having a close relationship with God and having a loving family are my greatest joys. My unanticipated path to starting Developing Noblemen Academy may have stemmed from when I had to make a tough decision on where I wanted to attend college. Being the first person out of my family to attend college was both a blessing and full of uncertainty, as this was a road never traveled by my family. My father’s highest level of education was 9th grade, and my mother had completed only 11th grade. They encouraged me to finish high school, but the prospect of college was never part of the conversation.
It wasn’t until my 11th-grade year that our caring and loving school guidance counselor asked me a question that would change my life forever. “Robin, what are you going to do after high school, what is your plan?” I was dumbfounded by her question because I had never had anyone talk to me about college. However, after a long discussion with my guidance counselor, I applied myself more in school and earned an opportunity to either attend the University of Memphis or the University of Central Arkansas. Faced with a tough decision, I knew I had to make a choice that wouldn’t burden my parents financially.
See, my parents struggled financially, and the last thing I wanted to do was add more debt to their lives. After much contemplation and prayer, I felt a strong calling to attend the University of Memphis. This decision allowed me to work a job to cover some of my expenses while pursuing my education. My journey wasn’t without its challenges, though. My car was stolen three times, including once on the Southern Ave parking lot, and my apartment was broken into. At times, it felt as if I had misunderstood God’s calling.
Nevertheless, I persevered and graduated from the Fogleman College of Business and Economics with a concentration in Marketing Management. I went on to obtain my MBA from the University of Phoenix. Things seemed to be falling into place, but life had more lessons to teach me.
In 2012, my car was broken into, and my firearm was stolen on Christmas Eve. The police later informed me that the stolen firearm was involved in a tragic incident. The news left me in disbelief and raised concerns about the crime in Memphis, making me feel like a target again.
To escape the ongoing challenges, I moved to Harbor Town after accepting a job at ALSAC St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There, life began to feel brighter again. Flowers were in bloom, and the birds sang joyously. However, life had more plans for me, as it often does.
One Saturday evening, while returning from shopping, my tire light illuminated. Minutes away from Harbor Town, I decided to stop and add air to my tire. While at the gas station, two men attempted to rob me. Thankfully, I was licensed to carry a firearm, and with it, I defended myself, causing the would-be robbers to flee.
A few days later, my wife and I received the joyful news that we were expecting a baby. Excitement filled our hearts, but we knew a two-bedroom apartment in Harbor Town wouldn’t meet our needs. So, we decided to move back to East Memphis and rent a home.
Shortly after our son was born, I went to the grocery store for milk. Upon returning home, while getting milk from the trunk of my car, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned around with my weapon drawn, ready to defend myself, only to find a teenager who explained, “My bad, bruh, wrong house.” I was furious, disappointed, and ready to leave Memphis for the second time. But my wife’s words brought me back to reality. She said, “So much has happened to you, but things will get better.”
Two weeks later, while washing my car, I saw three young boys walking on the opposite side of the street. As they approached me, I found myself profiling and stereotyping them. My past experiences with crime and attempted robberies had tainted my perspective. I looked at them with anger and suspicion.
Then, one of the boys said something unexpected. “Excuse me, Sir, my brothers and I have a lawn care service, and we see your lawn needs grooming. We can cut your lawn and tend to your flower beds.” I felt ashamed of my initial judgment. I had stereotyped them as potential criminals without reason.
Wanting to make amends and support their honest endeavors, I decided to hire these young boys, despite already having a lawn care service. The experience changed me, but more changes were to come. After some time, I had a dream—a dream that revealed my calling.
In my dream, I witnessed crime and violence in Memphis and its surrounding areas. I saw innocent people suffering, and I questioned God, asking why He allowed this to happen. In response, a thunderous voice asked me, “What are you going to do to help?”
I awoke with a newfound sense of purpose. I wrote down everything I had seen in my dream and began working with those same young boys who had offered to care for my lawn. They became the catalyst for the birth of the Developing Noblemen Academy.
I consulted legal experts and embarked on the journey of forming a mentoring organization that would provide guidance, education, and support to young boys in our community. The name “Developing Noblemen” was revealed to me in my dream, and it perfectly encapsulated our mission—to help boys become honorable and productive young men.
As the organization grew, our programs began to take shape, focusing on character development, professional skills, financial literacy, and overall well-being. We aimed to break the cycle of adversity and empower young men from minority communities to build brighter futures.
Today, Developing Noblemen Academy stands as a testament to the power of transformation and the impact that a single dream can have. We are dedicated to nurturing the potential of our youth, offering them the guidance and opportunities they deserve. The challenges I faced on my journey inspired me to create a brighter path for the next generation. It is a path we walk together, one step at a time, towards a future where every young boy can become a nobleman in their own right.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating the path to founding and developing the Developing Noblemen Academy has been a journey filled with both rewarding moments and significant challenges. While we’ve made great strides, it hasn’t always been a smooth road.
Some of the struggles and challenges we’ve encountered along the way include:
Resource Constraints: Like many grassroots organizations, we started with limited resources. Funding was a significant challenge in the early stages, which impacted our ability to scale our programs and reach more young men in need.
Community Outreach: Gaining the trust and engagement of our communities requires persistent efforts. Building relationships and convincing parents and guardians to enroll their sons in our programs took time and consistent outreach.
Program Development: Crafting effective programs that address the multifaceted needs of our young participants was a complex process. We had to continually refine and adapt our curriculum to ensure it remained relevant and impactful.
Mentor Recruitment: Finding qualified and committed mentors who could provide the guidance and support our participants needed was a challenge. Recruiting mentors with the right expertise and passion for our mission required persistent efforts.
Changing Societal Dynamics: The ever-evolving challenges faced by young men in our communities, from socioeconomic disparities to shifting family structures, have demanded ongoing adjustments to our approach.
Despite these challenges, our commitment to our mission has never wavered. We’ve learned from each obstacle, allowing us to become more resilient and effective in our efforts. Today, we continue to overcome hurdles, driven by the belief that every young man deserves the opportunity to become an honorable and productive member of society. Our journey has been marked by both trials and triumphs, and it’s through these experiences that we’ve grown stronger and more dedicated to our mission.
As you know, we’re big fans of Developing Noblemen Academy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Developing Noblemen Academy is a purpose-driven organization dedicated to empowering minority adolescent and teenage boys through comprehensive mentorship and educational programs. Our mission is to instill decorum, equip through education, and inspire with mentorship, ultimately fostering young men of upright character, firm principles, and financial stability. We believe in nurturing the potential of young men from underserved communities, helping them overcome challenges and build brighter futures.
What Sets Us Apart:
Holistic Approach: Developing Noblemen Academy takes a holistic approach to youth development. Our programs encompass Character Building, Professional Development, Financial Literacy, and Health & Wellness. We address not only academic success but also essential life skills and personal growth.
Dedicated Mentorship: We are known for our passionate and committed mentors who serve as positive role models for our participants. Our mentors provide guidance, support, and inspiration, helping young men navigate the challenges they face.
Community Engagement: We actively engage with the communities we serve, building trust and collaboration with parents, schools, and local organizations. Our strong community ties enable us to tailor our programs to the specific needs of each area.
Empowerment Through Education: Education is at the core of our mission. We specialize in providing educational opportunities and resources that empower young men to excel academically and achieve their goals.
Character Development: We take pride in our emphasis on character development, instilling values such as integrity, responsibility, and respect. These qualities are essential for building honorable and productive young men.
Our Brand’s Proudest Achievements: We are most proud of the transformative impact we have on the lives of our participants. Many of the young men who have been part of Developing Noblemen Academy have gone on to excel academically, pursue higher education, and become positive contributors to their communities. Seeing our participants grow into confident, responsible, and ambitious individuals is our greatest source of pride.
What We Want You to Know: We want our readers to know that Developing Noblemen Academy is more than just an organization; it’s a movement dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for young men who face adversity. We invite you to join us in our mission to uplift and empower the next generation of leaders, and together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these remarkable young men. Whether you’re a potential partner, volunteer, or supporter, your involvement can help us continue to inspire and transform the lives of our participants.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We also have an exciting annual event called the “Mentor My Son 5k,” This event is an integral part of our life-changing mission, which is shaping the future of our youth. It goes beyond being just a walk or run; it’s a powerful statement of unity, commitment, and dedication to uplifting our community’s next generation.
Our boys are encountering formidable challenges that demand our collective attention — from the allure of crime and violence to the scarcity of positive role models. The ‘Mentor My Son 5k’ serves as a beacon of hope, bringing together our community to show unwavering support for these young men.
It symbolizes the strides we’re taking to empower them and break down the barriers they face. This event is not just about covering miles; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of our future leaders.
Pricing:
- $25 – Supports our community service projects
- $50 contributes to our afterschool programs, leadership conferences, and tutoring
- $75 supports our grooming & etiquette workshops
- $125 – Provides mentorship for one young lad for a year
- $200 – sends one young lad to Noblemen Camp during the summer
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dna-memphis.org
- Instagram: @developingnoblemen
- Facebook: Developing Noblemen Academy
Image Credits
Ekoya Photography, Graves Photography, and Tories Dixon Photography
