Corine Lytle Cannon, a trailblazing figure in Kannapolis, North Carolina, received a special honor this week as the City Council proposed naming a bridge after her. At 106 years old, Cannon, the first Black woman employed on the production line at Cannon Mills, was recognized for her lifelong contributions to her community and her advocacy for racial equality.
The bridge, formerly named for Martin Luther King Jr., will now carry Cannon’s name pending final approval from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The dedication celebrates her decades of service, leadership, and the legacy she continues to inspire in Kannapolis.
Pioneering at Cannon Mills: Corine Cannon’s Historic Role
Cannon began working at Cannon Mills in 1963, becoming the first Black woman on the production line. At a time when opportunities for African Americans were severely limited, her employment marked a significant moment in local history. She also became involved with the NAACP 95 years ago, dedicating herself to civil rights and social justice efforts throughout her life.
Her work at Cannon Mills, combined with her advocacy, paved the way for future generations. The community continues to remember her as a pioneer who not only entered a previously segregated workplace but excelled while mentoring and inspiring others.
Lifelong Community Leadership and Family Legacy
Beyond her professional achievements, Cannon has remained deeply engaged in her community. A member of Covenant United Presbyterian Church since 1958, she still occasionally teaches Bible study. She is the matriarch of an expansive family, including seven children, 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Her great-grandson is the nationally recognized entertainer Nick Cannon.
Cannon’s involvement extends to local organizations, including the Kannapolis Historical Club and the Fisher Town Princeton Park Community Organization, where she served as a charter member and former president. Her community engagement demonstrates her dedication to both preserving history and shaping the future.
Bridge Dedication Ceremony Honors Legacy
At the City Council meeting on Feb. 9, the chambers were filled with supporters celebrating Cannon’s remarkable journey. State NAACP representative Amos McClory expressed his support while emphasizing the importance of honoring her legacy permanently. Pastor Donald Gray called her “a jewel” and praised her lifelong contributions to the community.
Veleria Levy, running for North Carolina’s House District 99, also honored Cannon by bringing her longtime friend Betty Austin, the first Black person elected to the Cabarrus County Board of Education, to the ceremony. The City Council voted unanimously to approve the dedication, which will now move to NCDOT for final approval.
Cannon delivered her own remarks, reflecting on life’s journey and the significance of bridges as symbols of new opportunities. “I’ve been on God’s road for a long time, and you don’t know where the new road and new bridge is going to take you,” she said. Her message urged the community to continue advancing progress long after celebratory months, saying, “Let’s keep on going.”
A Symbol of Progress and Inspiration
The dedication of the bridge serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans in Kannapolis and beyond. Corine Cannon’s story exemplifies resilience, leadership, and the enduring impact one individual can have on a community. Through her work, advocacy, and family legacy, Cannon continues to inspire generations to come.
