TITLE
Title
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLENA CANNON
end
SPONSOR
Sponsor
Commissioner Brandon Gray-Hill
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, Willena Cannon, born in 1940 in Mullins, South Carolina, grew up witnessing the injustices of segregation, including the brutal murder of an African American man when she was just nine years old, an event that cemented her lifelong commitment to justice; and
WHEREAS, in 1963, she enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, majoring in Student Health and Physical Education, serving as Captain of the Women’s Basketball Team, and actively participating in the Civil Rights Movement; and
WHEREAS, during her time at A&T, Willena became deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement and took part in peaceful demonstrations to desegregate Greensboro businesses, was arrested along with hundreds of fellow students, and remained steadfast during two weeks of detainment; and
WHEREAS, as a lifelong activist and champion for justice, she worked with organizations such as the Greensboro Housing Coalition and the Beloved Community Center, advancing civil rights and workers’ rights through efforts including the cafeteria workers’ strike and union organizing at Cone Mills; and
WHEREAS, on November 3, 1979, she survived the Greensboro Massacre, an attack by white supremacists on peaceful protestors, yet continued her unwavering fight for freedom, dignity, and justice; and
WHEREAS, mother of Imani Sudderth, Kweli Sudderth, and Kwame Cannon, she dedicated her life to uplifting marginalized communities, assisting families in navigating public systems, providing shelter to women and children in need, and advocating fiercely for voting rights including grassroots efforts toward the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and, through her example, she instilled advocacy, courage, and community involvement in her children and family members, inspiring them to carry forward her enduring legacy of empow...
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