In recognition of Women’s History Month, we share the second installment of our series honoring the women who shaped our community’s "Herstory."
In December 2025, I stood in the room as the Guilford County Commissioners presented a formal resolution to a local legend. Mrs. Willena Cannon sat in her wheelchair, surrounded by what appeared to be three generations of her family. I was blessed to capture her picture that day, with the full intent of interviewing her for this very series. Little did I know it would be my first and last time seeing her.
Though we never got to sit for that interview, I will never forget the smile her eyes gave as I snapped that photo. It was the closest I would get to a woman who spent over 50 years blazing a trail for those of us who care about the underserved to trek. In January 2026, Mrs. Cannon passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a five-decade testament to social activism (Woodard Broadnax Funeral Service, 2026).
A Dual Legacy: Civil Rights and Healthy Homes
A proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Mrs. Cannon lived by a simple but profound mandate: "Can do, must do" (WFMY News 2, 2026). Her life’s work was defined by two parallel paths of service:
- The Housing Advocate: For over 45 years, she served as a pillar of the city’s Healthy Homes Division. As a nationally recognized housing advocate, she worked tirelessly to eliminate lead paint hazards and improve living conditions for low-income families (WFMY News 2, 2026).
- The Freedom Fighter: Alongside the late Rev. Nelson Johnson and his wife, Joyce, at The Beloved Community Center, she was a foundational force for justice. Her activism spanned the 1963 Woolworth protests, the 1979 Greensboro Massacre, and critical labor strikes for the blind and the cafeteria workers. (Woodard Broadnax Funeral Service, 2026).
Mrs. Cannon was famously a "thorn in the side" of the establishment whenever equity was at stake, viewing her 19 arrests as "badges of honor" (WFMY News 2, 2026). Seeing her honored by that same establishment just a month before her passing was a full-circle moment for a city she helped shape for generations. For a deeper dive into ‘Auntie Willena’s’ life and legacy, check out Ian McDowell’s published article in Yes Weekly, a local “alternative” periodical. YES Weekly records her path from being a child of sharecroppers to her dedication to ensuring that the least and left out were seen and heard.
A Life in Motion: The Video Legacy of Willena Cannon
To truly understand the weight of Mrs. Cannon’s impact, one must see the faces of those who stood in the trenches with her. The following report from WFMY News 2 captures her essence—from her early days of protest to her final act of casting a ballot in November 2025.
Key Moments and Reflections:
- [00:00:45] The "Badges of Honor": Discussion of her role in the Woolworth protests and her 19 arrests.
- [00:01:13] The Power of the Vote: A moving account of Mrs. Cannon's casting her final ballot.
- [00:02:11] The Johnson Partnership: Joyce Johnson reflects on their 50-year bond at The Beloved Community Center.
- [00:02:38] Commitment to the End: Evidence of her unwavering resolve as Mrs. Cannon attends a rally in her wheelchair shortly before her passing.
Watch the full story here: The City of Greensboro Remembers Willena Cannon
About Operation Xcel
Operation Xcel provides educational resources and support to help students and their families in underserved communities reach their full potential. By honoring pioneers like Willena Cannon, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders to carry forward the torch of service and advocacy.
Reference List
Digital Greensboro. (2025). A City of Two Tales: The Greensboro Massacre of November 3, 1979.
WFMY News 2. (2026, January 13). The City of Greensboro remembers Willena Cannon.
Woodard Broadnax Funeral Service. (2026). Obituary for Ms. Willena R. Cannon.
