Michael Dixon on Advocating for Youth Safety
Photos by Jordan Somers
On a recent episode of The Day with Trae, guest host Deaunte Damper welcomed Michael Dixon, a School Safety Specialist and long-time community advocate, to discuss the pressing issue of youth safety in Seattle. As a seasoned expert with deep roots in community activism, Dixon shared his perspectives on the current state of public safety and emphasized the importance of involving youth in decision-making processes.
Dixon, who was part of the founding group of the Black Student Union and previously worked as a security guard at Garfield High School, highlighted the crucial need for authentic engagement with youth to create safer environments. Reflecting on his early experiences, Dixon recalled the chaotic conditions at Garfield when he first arrived—a time marked by frequent fights and a lack of community cohesion. To address these challenges, Dixon and his colleagues adopted a grassroots approach, building relationships with local residents and businesses. They worked door-to-door to foster a sense of collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of students. This approach, Dixon noted, helped deter violence and created a more supportive environment for the students.
Dixon emphasized that the issue of youth safety is not new, recounting his own experiences as a teenager when he faced dangerous situations at school. "The powers that be always try to brush off what we're seeing," he remarked, underscoring the systemic neglect that has often characterized responses to youth concerns. Dixon stressed the importance of listening to students and involving them directly in conversations about their safety, as they are best positioned to understand their needs and propose effective solutions.
The discussion also touched on recent incidents of violence involving youth, such as the shooting of Amarr Murphy-Payne. Dixon, who knew the victim’s family, spoke passionately about the need for accountability and justice, not only for Payne’s family but for all affected by violence. "We can't go forward if we let things like that happen to students," he stated firmly, calling for stronger community efforts to prevent such tragedies.
Dixon’s vision for the future revolves around empowering young people by including them in decision-making and supporting their voices. He believes that only through genuine engagement and collaboration can communities effectively address the root causes of violence and ensure safer environments for future generations. While not currently affiliated with a formal organization, Dixon expressed his intention to establish a group focused on advocating for youth safety and community involvement. Until then, he continues to work informally with students and community members in Rainier Beach and Garfield to drive positive change.
To see more guests like Dixon, tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
