Harold C. Dixon January 20,1966 – April 26, 2025
If we are lucky as we travel our journey here on earth, we encounter people that God has placed on our path who will help us along. Sometimes they will share a kind word, sometimes they will point us in the right direction, hold our hand, help carry our load or sometimes just walk beside us.
Harold Dixon was one of those people for me. His presence changed my life. He helped me to reveal and pursue my passion for helping children by helping their dads. For that I will be eternally grateful. Harold passed away last week.
Harold worked for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for over thirty years. Most recently, he was a Family Engagement Specialist. Over a dozen years ago Harold came to me with his irrepressible smile, his passion and a proposal to get more men engaged in the lives of students in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Harold knew that male engagement was a key to the development of all our children
One morning we sat at a coffee shop and together laid a plan to facilitate the establishment of dads groups in schools. These groups would be vehicles for dads and dad-like-persons to engage with students. The men would be role models for the children while providing service to the faculties, parents and schools. From that day, a long wonderful friendship and partnership began.
I went on to finish writing my book and to establish an organization – both called Be There Dad. Like a platoon leader I started to recruit, encourage and enable an army of men who began to call themselves Be There Dads. These men became the arms and legs of engagement, but Harold was the wind beneath their wings. He became my guardian angel, navigating the challenges of bureaucracy, staying focused on our vision and constantly encouraging me to do more.
Soon dads were involved in coordinating car pool and bus lines, beautifying campuses, reading to students, moving furniture and acting as lunch buddies. Before long men were acting as tutors and mentors; and remarkably becoming more involved in parent teacher organizations.
In our decade or so together, the presence of these Be There Dads has influenced literally tens of thousands of students. And I know because of their participation, scores of men have gained a fresh perspective on what it means to be a dad.
At Be There Dad we are undergirded by a concept we call the power of presence. It says that when dads are present in the lives of children good things happen. That we love and care for our children unconditionally, regardless of the circumstances. Simply stated, it says, I will be there.
The concept is based on the scripture in the book of Matthew where we recognize an example of this power. As Jesus left his disciples for the last time, having done what he was here to do, he commissioned his followers by saying, “go forth and make disciples.” Then he gave them confidence to fulfill that purpose with what I believe are some of the most powerful words of His ministry – a confirmation of his eternal presence – saying. “lo, I will be with you always.”
So, Harold has left us – having done what he was sent to do. I find comfort in this moment because I have felt the power of Harold’s presence; and because he left us with a challenge to go forth and make disciples called dads. He gave me the confidence to continue our work at Be There Dad because he left his everlasting passion. And therefore, I know he too will be with us always.
Above all else, Harold was a friend to me and a multitude of others.
There are good ships
And wood ships
And ships that sail the seas
But the best ships are friendships
And may they always be…
Harold, my friend, may God hold you and keep you until we meet again.
