Macon native Nixon honored
Phillip Ramati, pramati@macontel.com

Former NBA great Norm Nixon was honored by the National Conference of Black Mayors as the Humanitarian of the Year on Thursday at the group's conference in Baton Rouge, La.

Nixon, a Macon native who played basketball at Southwest High School, was cited for work done both in the United States and in Africa.

"He's given of his time freely," said Macon Mayor Jack Ellis while attending the conference. "His work speaks for itself. I'm glad he was elected out of the group of nominees. He's been a true humanitarian for both Macon and other cities around the world."

Among Nixon's most recent ventures was purchasing uniforms for 40 members of the Southwest choir when it made a recent trip to New York. He also organizes charity events involving former NBA stars, and has produced theatre shows with his wife, actress Debbie Allen.

Other humanitarians honored were former NBA star Magic Johnson and actor Danny Glover.

"It's always great to have your work acknowledged," Nixon said. "I don't do what I do to get awards, but it's always nice to have that recognition."