when cannon street was bustling

Life was bustling on Cannon Street for African Americans in the 50’s and 60’s, and  the Black business owners were the catalyst for that vitality. Over 12 Black businesses were located on a two block section of Cannon Street which residents described as a busy commerce area during the week and a bustling place on Friday and Saturday nights.  Sponsored by the Stories of the Chesapeake led by Gail Owings and curated by Lani Seikaly, the exhibition shares the stories of ten African Americans who remember how bustling life was on Cannon Street in the 1950’s and ‘60s. As Gwen Swinson says, “You would have thought you were in Atlantic City.”  When businesses died out, so did the vitality, and narrators discussed that loss.Sponsored by the Stories of the Chesapeake led by Gail Owings, ESHI Executive Director, and designed and curated by Lani Seikaly, When Cannon Street Was Bustling was on display in several downtown businesses on High Street. Thanks to Jeff Maguire, Bob Ramsey of the Finishing Touch (311 High Street), Kris Kelley of RiverArts Education Center ( 200 B High St.), and Chris Newman of the RiverArts Clay Studio (200 A High St.) for graciously hosting parts of the poster exhibit.