Johnson College Prep 

Darius Yorel Nix, best known as Dee Nix, is a lifelong educator, community advocate, and former 2021 candidate for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District. Now in his 20th year in education, Nix’s work is deeply rooted in his commitment to equity and empowerment for underserved communities.  Born in Chicago’s Abla Projects to teenage parents, Nix overcame poverty and systemic barriers to become a passionate leader in education and civic service. He holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Roosevelt University and an MBA focused on Educational Leadership from Keller Graduate School. He completed Yale University’s RULER program on emotional intelligence and is a fellow of both Black Bench Chicago and the Teacher Action Team, which advocates for mental health policies supporting students and teachers.  Nix has served in schools across Chicago, New York, and North Carolina. He currently teaches Multicultural Studies and serves as 10th Grade Level Lead at Johnson College Prep High School, supporting student achievement and staff development.  He is also founder and CEO of Friends in the City Foundation, which provides mentoring, scholarships, and STEM programs for youth on Chicago’s South Side. Dee Nix is driven by faith, compassion, and a lifelong mission to build stronger, more just communities.