Thank You for Your Service!

Steven and Rona Ledermann

Rona L Dixon-Ledermann is a pioneer of African American firsts, as an advocate, and pointing the way to equality. She has a family legacy of risk-takers, changing the environment and fulfilling a vision for a different future. Ones of faith, turning dreams into reality, and such a determination that cut through barriers and obstacles. Today she lives with this strong legacy of faith, an African American Trailblazer!

As a young child, alongside her father, Joseph H. Dixon Jr., Rona was present at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s visit to Ratcliffe Stadium, in June of 1964, in Fresno, California. Her father was instrumental in his visit, and Rona obtained his autograph and Rev. Ralph Abernathy’s. Rona's grandmother, Porter L. Dixon, was a founding board member of the African American Museum. Rona's walk and witness impacted her trailblazing journey.

During Rona's elementary school years, her father was encouraged to move his family to North Fresno. Being one of the first to integrate the area, the family dealt with racial harassment within the neighborhood and schools, including injustices by the KKK. Endurance was a generational drive, and she treasured the words of her family, "Pay attention to what is going on in the world." These events ignited the passion in Rona's heart against injustice in speech and action

Rona was the first African American pep girl at McLane High School and one of the firsts at Fresno State. She taught camps throughout California and Nevada as a professional song leader and cheerleader. She persevered throughout her school years.

Rona continued to take risks and positions on the front lines of employment as an African American. Employed by Wells Fargo Bank in the late 1970s, she became the first African American lead teller, where she began to take more interest in training and development. She continued to advance and took her skills to Von's Grocery Company and Home Depot, becoming a District Trainer and helping develop training programs, manuals, and videos for incoming employees and seasoned managers.

Upon marrying Steven Ledermann, she moved to Lumberton, North Carolina, where she was employed by the Public Schools of Robeson County as a Reading Specialist, teaching Exceptional Children. She advocated for students with disabilities and special needs, understanding the importance of inclusion in school activities.

Rona L. Dixon-Lederman continues to hold the torch of freedom throughout her life, lighting the path to liberty. Her "paying attention to what is going on in the world" keeps her fueled to change the environment and fulfill the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She turns dreams into reality.