Former Wilmington City Council Member Rysheema Dixon died unexpectedly Friday morning, according to a spokesperson. She was 35 years old, according to public records.
Dixon was elected to the City Council in 2017, becoming Wilmington’s youngest and first Black woman in the at-large seat. She resigned five years later, citing “expanded business endeavors.”
During her time on the City Council, Dixon sponsored Wilmington’s first study on the disparities of the local government procurement system and legislation updating the statewide sex education curriculum.
Dixon also founded RD Innovative Solutions, a community strategy organization that celebrated its 11th anniversary on Thursday. The company runs the Wilmington Play Streets summer program and works with local nonprofits.
“Rysheema always charted her own course,” Mayor Mike Purzycki said in an official statement Friday. “She was a concerned and informed resident who become active in various causes and eventually began to provide leadership and guidance to others.”
A candlelight vigil will be held in Dixon’s honor at 7:30 p.m. in Peter Spencer Plaza.
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