Sonia Dixon

African and Caribbean Services Manager for Walsall Libraries, Sonia Dixon, whose parents are Jamaican, has been selected to be a Member of the British Empire (MBE) by the British monarch later this year, having distinguished herself as the first black chartered librarian in Birmingham.

In recognising her contribution to libraries and the community, Ms. Dixon has been lauded as highly responsible, and having outstanding knowledge in her field. "Her work illuminates areas of dedicated service which merit public recognition," it stated.

Ms. Dixon told The Sunday Gleaner that she was born in Birmingham of Jamaican parents and worked for many years in libraries in that city, including Sutton and Coldfield libraries, before joining the renowned Walsall Borough Libraries.

Librarianship

Ms. Dixon graduated with a degree in librarianship in 1994, and was highlighted as the first black person in Birmingham to become chartered in librarianship in 1995. As part of her degree programme at Manchester Metropolitan University, she researched black writing and black authors.

Ms. Dixon now operates an award-winning Black Reading Group in Walsall Central Library. The group, a first of its kind in the United Kingdom, has had fame through the publication of its book Dis 'n' Dat, which was nominated for two awards at the United Kingdom's Kate Greenaway and Carnegie Awards. The group also won the Celebrating Diversity Award, better known as the Sister Dora award, in Walsall.

The Black Reading Group was also highly commended in Walsall Council's Annual Team Awards, celebrating achievements in the Annual Citizen's Impact Award. The group was also in the finalist category for the diversity award. The group's most recent achievement was its emergence as a finalist in the Penguin/Orange Reading Group award late last year.

Songwriting skills

Ms. Dixon is a member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information for professionals in Birmingham. She is also a member of the Performance Rights Society and holds a diploma in music (songwriting). Her songwriting skills have seen her publish a gospel song in the U.S.A. (2004) called There's Nothing Sweeter.

Ms. Dixon holds of a Bachelor of Science degree in management and enjoys singing. She speaks French and Spanish. Responding to the announcement of the latest award, Ms. Dixon told the Sunday Gleaner, "I am honoured. the organisation and place where I work has been recognised and everyone shares the pride and pleasure it brings."