Stephenine Dixon Named Co-Chair of New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commission
AC's Stephenine Dixon at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Photo courtesy of Stephenine Dixon.
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY – Stephenine Dixon, an Atlantic City native and nationally recognized veteran political campaign adviser, has been named the new co-chair of the New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, Dixon announced Wednesday.
Dixon has served on the commission for more than two decades, helping advance its mission of raising public awareness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ideals, philosophy, and enduring impact on civil rights. The commission operates under the New Jersey Secretary of State’s Office, currently led by Lt. Gov. Dr. Dale Caldwell.
“I am truly honored and humble to serve as co-chair,” Dixon said in a statement she posted on Facebook. “For 21 years, I have had the privilege of serving as an appointed member of this Commission and volunteering my time and service to help preserve and advance the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through my life’s work.”
She added that the commission’s mission centers on recognizing Dr. King’s life, legacy, and the Civil Rights Movement while creating opportunities for future generations.
“To now serve as Co-Chair of a Commission dedicated to the legacy of Dr. King, the only African American honored with a national holiday, is deeply meaningful and rewarding. I do not take this responsibility lightly,” Dixon said.
Dixon also acknowledged fellow co-chair Gerland Clark of Guttenberg and thanked Gov. Mikie Sherrill for the appointment.
“I look forward to working together as we continue this important work,” Dixon said. “And finally, thank you, Governor Mikie Sherrill, for your confidence in me. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of New Jersey and honoring Dr. King’s enduring legacy.”
A Veteran Strategist With Deep Atlantic City Roots
Dixon’s appointment adds another milestone to a career that has made her one of New Jersey’s most respected political strategists. Born and raised on Kentucky Avenue in Atlantic City, she emerged from a family deeply rooted in education and community service. Her mother was an elementary school teacher and GED instructor, and her father worked for decades as a cook at Atlantic City High School and served the Army Reserves and Second Baptist Church.
Her political journey began in the late 1980s on a campaign with Speedy Marsh. Over the next four decades, Dixon became known for her ability to organize, strategize, and win. She worked on presidential, gubernatorial, congressional, mayoral, and school board campaigns across the country — including serving as regional organizing director for Pete Buttigieg’s Iowa operation, Buttigieg’s Alabama State Director, and a senior organizer for Joe Biden’s Pennsylvania campaign, a state Biden ultimately won in 2020.
In New Jersey, she managed Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.’s 2020 primary campaign and later led civil rights attorney Tim Alexander’s congressional bid in the 2nd District. She has also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, representing Atlantic County.
Dixon previously served on the Atlantic City School Board and once ran for city council, narrowly losing a 2002 race by a single absentee ballot. Despite the setback, she continued building a reputation as a community?driven leader focused on voter education, grassroots empowerment, and mentoring emerging organizers.
Today, she chairs the Atlantic County Democratic Committee’s Black Caucus, where she works to strengthen civic engagement and expand political participation among underrepresented communities.
A Legacy of Service Aligned With Dr. King’s Vision
Dixon’s long record of public service — from national campaign work to local community advocacy — reflects the same themes of empowerment, justice, and civic responsibility that defined Dr. King’s life.
Her new role as co-chair of the New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission positions her to help shape statewide programming, educational initiatives, and public events honoring King’s legacy.
For Dixon, the appointment is both a professional milestone and a deeply personal calling.
“I do not take this responsibility lightly,” she said — a sentiment echoed throughout her decades of service.
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