In a move that pays homage to a lifetime of service and trailblazing activism, the City of Kannapolis is pushing for the honorary designation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue Bridge to recognize Mrs. Corine L. Cannon, according to a recent announcement. The City Council passed a resolution aimed at prompting the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to place an honorary sign for the 106-year-old community staple alongside the bridge, which is undergoing reconstruction and is set for completion in 2027.
A figure synonymous with courage and tenacity, Mrs. Cannon's storied life within the Kannapolis community began in 1919, and her influence has woven through the social, political, and religious tapestry of the area; she was seminal in various organizations, and her historic employment at Cannon Mills in 1963 broke racial and gender barriers in the workforce, she became the first African American woman in production there, her move not only charted a path for herself, but also for countless women of color after her. reported Kannapolis officials.
Despite her centenarian status, Mrs. Cannon continues to espouse wisdom, leading a Bible Study at her assisted living residence and often asking attendees— “Do you know where you are going? I’m going to heaven”. Her influence, relayed over weekly dinners with Kannapolis's inaugural mayor, Bachman Brown, echoes through generations; her discussions on community needs have shaped local policies and initiatives.
Family remains at the heart of Mrs. Cannon’s legacy, as she raised her children to take an active role in their city's affairs, her kitchen table has seen the likes of political adversaries and allies alike, it was a melting pot of ideas and actions, where voices like Jesse Helms and Harvey Gantt converged to seek her counsel, her grandson Sylvester L. Fleming, Jr. expressed the profound impact of these experiences, stating, "She is still going and we are still learning from her," in a statement obtained by Kannapolis officials.
