Julian Carey Dixon was born August 8, 1934 in Washington D.C. He served in the U.S. Army, and was a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles. He earned his law degree from Southwestern University School of Law. A three-term Democrat representing Southwest Los Angeles, he succeeded Yvonne Brathwaite Burke. Julian Dixon served as chair of the Southern California Legislative Black Caucus and the California Congress of Black Elected Officials. His legislative agenda focused on juvenile justice issues and correctional system reforms. Julian Dixon also fought for equal access for women and minorities in business and professional services.