We recently interviewed retired Brigadier General Dix and his wife, Mrs.

Cynthia Dix to explore their lives during integration, their professional achievements, and the resilience fostered by their communities. Cynthia Dix was born in Jacksonville, FL, in 1959. She described a community where neighbors functioned as an extended family. Richard Dix, born in Atlanta in 1965, grew up in the Lynwood Park community of Brookhaven, North DeKalb. He characterized it as a “village” demarcated by racial boundaries, and noted that while the community was warm and protective, the world beyond its edges was often hostile. He recounted the sting of integration in the public school system, where he faced disparaging comments from teachers and peers alike. Both were driven by a strong work ethic modeled by their parents. Cynthia earned a BSN from Florida State University and embarked on a 30-year career in critical care. Richard graduated from Columbia High School, where he excelled in athletics and academics, becoming the first African American soccer-style kicker in DeKalb County. He earned a scholarship to South Carolina State University, where he became the school’s first academic All-American and graduated as a second lieutenant through the Army's ROTC program The couple met in Atlanta in 1996 through mutual friends. Richard described a sudden spiritual connection, knowing immediately that Cynthia was “the one.” They married six months later, beginning a 28-year partnership. General Dix’s military career spanned 30 years, during which he commanded various personnel and served six combat deployments. He attributes his rise to the rank of Brigadier General to the foundation laid in Lynwood Park and the unwavering support of Cynthia, who traveled with him through seven years in Europe and various domestic assignments. Their story serves as a testament to the power of community, faith, and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.