BROTHER RAYMOND W. CANNON
Brother Raymond W. Cannon was an outstanding Alpha man and an asset to his community and fraternity. He was very influential to Alpha in Minnesota and embodies the spirit of brotherhood here. The scope of his accomplishments represent exceptional talent and exemplify the three aims of the fraternity: scholarship, manly deeds and love for all mankind. Brother Cannon was the first editor-in-chief of the “Sphinx” magazine of the fraternity. He has been quoted as saying that he knew nothing about running a magazine, but that has never affected its success. During his administration, Bro. Cannon proposed the creation of the office, Director of Education, in which JEWEL GEORGE BIDDLE KELLEY was the first to serve. He also played a critical role in the development and compilation of the fraternity history. The surviving JEWELS at that time had all moved to different parts of the country so Bro. Canon took on the task of contacting them and trying to put together the story of Alpha Phi Alpha. He was the person that met with Bro. Charles H. Wesley and convinced him to take on the role of author of the history book.
Bro. Cannon was also president of the fraternity from 1924-1928. His dedication to the community never faded throughout his life as he also helped to organize the Minneapolis Urban League where he was vice president for four years. Among his other accomplishments, Bro. Cannon chartered the Omicron Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and was active with the Masonic Organization and American Legion. Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (later to become an Honorary member of Alpha Phi Alpha) appointed him to the Minneapolis Fair Housing Commission. Bro. Cannon spoke out against the discrimination of “Negroes” in the armed forces of the United States, and was intrical in the executive order to integrate the Minnesota National Guard. Raymond W. Cannon entered Omega chapter in 1992. His presence is missed but his legacy lives forever.