Date/Time
Date(s) - 02/27/2026
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
Herbert Dixon Meet & Greet
In celebration of Black History Month and the enduring legacy of African Americans in golf, the community is invited to attend the Herbert Dixon Meet & Greet Barbecue Festival on Thursday, February 27, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., in Lakeland, Florida. The free event will take place at 1221 Omohundra Avenue and is open to all.
The festival honors Herbert Dixon, a three-time Hall of Famer and one of the most respected figures in African American golf history. Dixon’s remarkable lifetime achievements include 11 holes-in-one, along with decades of competitive success, mentorship, and service to the game. His contributions have helped preserve Black golf history while inspiring generations of players and advocates.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Dixon personally during the event, which blends golf heritage with community fellowship. The celebration will feature barbecue, live jazz music, delicious food, pie hole contests, and other prizes, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families, golf enthusiasts, and community members alike.
The Herbert Dixon Meet & Greet Barbecue Festival is part of a broader effort to honor Black excellence in golf and to spotlight the pioneers who helped pave the way for today’s players. Events like this serve as an important reminder that golf’s history is rich with stories of perseverance, achievement, and leadership that deserve recognition.
The event is proudly sponsored by Central Florida Black Development Corporation (CFBDC), whose support continues to uplift cultural, educational, and economic initiatives throughout the region.
By combining celebration, history, and community engagement, the Herbert Dixon Meet & Greet Barbecue Festival promises to be a meaningful and memorable way to honor a golf legend whose impact continues to resonate far beyond the fairways.
Herbert Dixon stands as one of the most respected and influential figures in golf, earning the rare distinction of being a three-time Hall of Fame inductee for his lasting contributions to the sport as a player, leader, and advocate. His legacy is defined not only by competitive success, but by decades of service dedicated to expanding access, opportunity, and recognition for African Americans in golf.
Mr. Herbert Dixon surrounded by the winning team in 2025 during the annual tournament that honors him.
Dixon’s impact on the game spans multiple generations. As a competitive golfer, he demonstrated consistency, discipline, and sportsmanship, earning respect on and off the course. His achievements during an era when opportunities for Black golfers were limited helped open doors for those who followed. Beyond competition, Dixon became widely known for his leadership within golf organizations, where he worked tirelessly to promote inclusion, preserve history, and elevate the visibility of Black golfers at all levels.
His Hall of Fame honors reflect the breadth of his influence. Dixon has been inducted for his accomplishments as a golfer, his service to the game, and his role as a historian and mentor. He has been a key voice in documenting and safeguarding African American golf history, ensuring that pioneers and trailblazers receive the recognition they deserve. Through speaking engagements, writing, and organizational leadership, Dixon has helped connect past achievements to future progress.
Equally important is Dixon’s commitment to mentorship and community building. He has consistently championed youth development, amateur golf, and educational initiatives, believing that golf is a vehicle for personal growth, character development, and professional opportunity. His guidance has inspired countless players, administrators, and advocates to remain engaged with the sport long after their competitive days.
As a three-time Hall of Famer, Herbert Dixon’s legacy is firmly cemented in golf history. His life’s work reflects excellence, perseverance, and purpose, making him not only a celebrated honoree but also a steward of the game whose influence continues to shape golf’s future. For more information contact https://www.bbcdccorp.com/
