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Legendary African Nova Scotian boxer George Dixon receives historical designation

An inspiration to many, George Dixon was the first Black boxer and first Canadian boxer to win a world title.

Plaque unveiled in Halifax on grounds of Africville Museum

Celina Aalders · CBC News ·
A group of nine people stand around a dark red plaque. They are applauding, as it was just unveiled.
Officials gathered on Monday morning to unveil the plaque in George Dixon's honour. (Brian MacKay/CBC)

A ceremony was held outside the Africville Museum in Halifax on Monday morning to commemorate iconic African Nova Scotian boxer George Dixon. 

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada unveiled a plaque honouring Dixon's accomplishments.

Born in Africville in 1870, Dixon overcame racial prejudice, discrimination and segregation to become the first Black boxer and first Canadian boxer to win a world title. He was also the first fighter to win world titles in multiple weight classes. 

A large, hand-painted mural of two men boxing. It reads, 'George Dixon' in red banners. George Dixon is punching is opponent in the face.
A mural dedicated to Dixon near the Africville Museum that was commissioned in 2020. (Brian MacKay/CBC)

Dixon had a three-decade-long career fighting in North America and Europe. He even had promoters of his fights reserve seats for Black fans, something that was unheard of at the time. 

Small, but mighty, he weighed a mere 87 pounds at the start of his professional boxing career. 

Dixon was nominated for the designation by educator, poet and author Nadine Williams.

A woman is smiling. She wears a lilac-coloured blouse and a beaded necklace. The necklace is different shades of blue with a silver medallion in the middle.
Juanita Peters is the executive director of the Africville Museum. (Brian MacKay/CBC)

Juanita Peters, executive director of the Africville Museum, said that the tribute isn't just important for the people of Africville and the people of Nova Scotia, but for all Canadians. 

"The significance of having this plaque on these grounds is evidence that this monster of a little man from Africville did such incredible things against all odds," said Peters. "And so here's the evidence, the plaque that tells his story and the accomplishments that he made in his very short life."

A main is wearing his RCMP uniform. He wears a red coat with medals on his chest. He's smiling, wearing sunglasses and a tan hat.
Sgt. Craig M. Smith is with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. (Brian MacKay/CBC)

RCMP Sgt. Craig M. Smith said that although Dixon was inspiration to many, not enough people know about his legacy. 

"If you're a Black athlete coming up today, you can look and say 'wow, back in 1890 we had a Black title holder, the first in all the world — not just Canada, not just the U.S., but the first in the world.' I think it allows kids to think 'if I can see it, if I can understand it, know about it, I can be it,'" said Smith.

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.

A banner of upturned fists, with the words 'Being Black in Canada'.
(CBC)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Celina Aalders

Reporter

Celina is a TV, radio and web reporter with CBC Nova Scotia. She holds a master's degree in journalism and communication. Story ideas are always welcomed at celina.aalders@cbc.ca

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