By Anita Houk          |          Photos Provided by Developing Noblemen Academy

Go ahead, call Robin Dixon a dreamer. The moniker fits, plus it reminds him of his greatest inspiration.

“I always go back to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote that inspires me, motivates me,” said Dixon. “‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?’ That’s the challenge right there: Go serve. Get everybody productive. We’ve just got to sow good seeds. The world can be a better place.”

So says the transplanted Arkansan who came to Memphis to improve his education and opportunities. As a 2006 UofM graduate with a degree in marketing management and now a FedEx company man, he’s done that for himself.

Yet, he’s also heading the nonprofit Developing Noblemen Academy (DNA). He’s a founder of this 501(c)(3) that strives to build character, professionalism, financial literacy and good health among Memphis-area adolescent and teenage boys.

About 60 lads are in DNA today. Dixon, executive director and chairman, is preparing for 100 by early 2020.

“I know I’m not going to save everybody,” said Dixon, “but I am on a path to help as many as I can.”

DNA is open to all boys, but it is designed particularly for African Americans and Hispanics age 8-17. And it really did start with a dream. 

Before starting DNA, Dixon was considering leaving Memphis due to encounters with crime. Thieves had stolen his car, burglarized his home and attempted to rob him in his yard. The culprits were all teenagers.

Then one day while working in his yard, Dixon spied three teenage boys approaching. Feeling wary and threatened, he braced himself.

Then came those life-altering words: “Excuse me, sir. We have a lawn service and … .”

“Well, I felt horrible,” Dixon admits. “They were just trying to make an honest buck.”

He hired the kids, cousins ages 13, 14 and 16, and helped them build a portfolio of before-and-after photos of their work to present to potential clients.

But did that stop the dream?

“This is where the Noblemen came in,” Dixon said. “That night, I had a dream that was so vivid. In it, there were crimes, and I was upset. I said, ‘Lord, we need some help. Do something with these kids.’ He responded, ‘OK, watcha gonna do?’ That echo, I kept hearing it.”

He awoke with worry, but an idea of what to do next soon became clear.

“It came to me, ‘You’re going to start an organization helping kids and it’s going to be called DNA … Developing Noblemen Academy.’

“When I started going to college, I never would have thought I could start my own 501(c)(3) and be working with kids. But when God calls ... .”

DNA boys regularly help within the community.

“We work with city council members in their districts,” Dixon said. “We just helped clean up Uptown.”

In July, DNA boys braved the heat to feed the homeless. Additionally, mentors take kids camping and fishing, teach hygiene and etiquette and even offer tips on tying a tie.

DNA supporters pitch in when they can, and the boys hold car washes, bake sales, popcorn fundraisers and sell Noblemen T-shirts. Anything that can be done to raise funds is essential to the continued growth of the program, which is why Dixon is actively seeking grants.

“DNA is growing, so, yes, I need more people, more resources, more funding,” Dixon said.  “I do have a great support system with great mentors — doctors, lawyers, fraternity brothers. I have a loving wife who supports me to leave for a few hours a day to pour that time into these boys. I have friends from work and church who are always ready to help, especially with tutoring in math, English and reading.”

A consistent backer is Greater Imani Church and Rev. Dr. Bill Adkins, who, since meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1967, has seen youth programs come and go. Adkins has faith in Dixon, and the church helps DNA with workspace, funds and staff support.

“Robin is building character in young boys who do not have mentors or support systems,” Adkins said. “I’ve watched him first-hand instruct and guide them in the simplest of things that are so important to manhood. Robin meets them at the place of their need. This is so ‘King-like.’”

- DIFFERENCES MADE -

“DNA has changed my life,” said Jordan Saulsberry, 17, of South Memphis. Saulsberry, who is a senior at The Collegiate School of Memphis, heard about DNA through a friend.

“DNA provided the structure and father figure I lacked as of 2015, the year my father died. Although my mom does the best she can, there are some things she cannot teach me. DNA was able to give me information that a man is supposed to tell another man.”

Sea Isle Elementary fourth grader Lando Hill’s parents discovered DNA when WMC-TV Action News 5 named Dixon its February 2019 Mid-South Hero. In June, Volunteer Memphis gave Dixon a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Mentors of DNA are great, positive and supportive,” Orlanda and Delois Hill-Black said.

Since joining DNA, their 10-year-old’s “ambitions have improved and matured.” They hope to see DNA “grow and continue to inspire, encourage and instill great morals and stewardship.”

Noah Johnson, 15, first heard of DNA through an announcement at Greater Imani.

“DNA helps in all aspects of becoming a young man,” said Johnson. “My mentors are very passionate about my future, and my overall well-being. That means a whole lot to me, to have someone who genuinely cares if you succeed in life, with no strings attached. I truly admire and thank them.

“I would like for DNA to gain financial support, so they can afford to bring in great speakers, have college tours, summer camps …  that way, they can have a bigger impact with the kids here in Memphis.”