Terry Cannon

Terry Cannon has been a champion of the Providence community since SWAP’s earliest days as a resident, contractor, and founder of initiatives to create a vibrant sense of place using art, culture and entertainment.  Like many in those early days, Terry began by working on his own home back in 1975.

“I’m from RI. I was running a drop-in center on Broad at the Salvation Army, and I kept walking by this beautiful old house that needed some work on Lockwood Street. I found out the owner was selling- I bought it for $5,000 and that’s when the work began. SWAP was a huge asset for those of us trying to save these old buildings and strengthen our community. SWAP had a wonderful tool bank and people who educated us on how to use the tools and make repairs. It was phenomenal.”

There was a synergy between SWAPs mission and the mission of Providence City Arts- which Cannon and others formed in 1973. It was all about fostering community by celebrating differences and inspiring hope. Providence Inner City Arts mission is to create a vibrant sense of place using art, culture and entertainment to bring diverse people together, provoke thought, inspire hope, and a deeper understanding.

After finishing repairs on his own house, Cannon invested in 40 ft ladders and other equipment and started his own businesses and for 30 years he worked on dozens of other old homes. He figures he had a hand in renovating just about every one of the old Victorians in Providence’s South and West sides as well as some in other sections of the city.

“I just find that Providence provides …  one of my favorite lines. There is so much going on here. I’ve been involved in so many causes.  We’re pioneers in Providence, and SWAP has been and still is one of my favorite organizations.”

Today, Terry travels the world teaching tai chi and verbal expression to children and at senior centers. “I ask the kids, ‘What would you do if you were in charge of the world?’ They can’t read or write- but they can speak. One little 4-year-old boy said he would stop the war, pray and meditate. Now that’s inspiring. That’s someone who is going to Make a Difference!”