Steve Cannon (writer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve Cannon
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| Born | Calvin Stanley Cannon April 10, 1935 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | July 7, 2019 (aged 84) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Novelist |
| Genre | Fiction, African-American literature |
Steve Cannon (April 10, 1935 – July 7, 2019) was an American writer. He also started a special cultural group called A Gathering of the Tribes. Steve was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He later moved to New York City in 1962 to follow his dream of becoming a writer.
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Growing Up in New Orleans
Steve Cannon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 10, 1935. His birth name was Calvin Stanley Cannon. He was the eighth child in his family. His father, Eugene Charles Cannon, worked as a letter carrier. This was a very good job for a Black man at that time. Steve's mother, Lillie Victoria St Cyr Cannon, died shortly after he was born.
After his mother passed away, Steve and his older brother Walter were cared for by their grandmother and aunt.
Overcoming Challenges
When Steve was a young child, he had trouble speaking clearly. Until he was about eight or nine years old, it was hard to understand him. Other kids sometimes teased him. Because of this, he often chose not to speak. His older brother, Walter, would help by translating what Steve wanted to say.
When Steve was four, he started school. But he was sent home because he couldn't talk with his teacher or classmates. His father arranged for Walter to be in the same class. Even with his speech issues, Steve was a very smart student. He could read, write, and solve math problems easily. He eventually learned to speak clearly on his own. Everyone was surprised by his large vocabulary.
Adventures and Decisions
Steve was an adventurous kid. One summer day, he and some friends went for a ride in an old boat. The boat started to sink, but they made it to land. They were on the other side of a canal and didn't know how to get home. A police officer helped them get back.
Steve went to Gilbert Academy, a top high school for African-American students in New Orleans. After it closed, he went to McDonogh 35. This was a public high school that prepared African-American students for college.
After high school, Steve joined the Air Force. Later, he joined the Army so he could be a paratrooper. He lived in London, England, for a few years. When he returned to New Orleans, he felt like he couldn't grow as a writer there. He decided to move to New York City. While he was in the military, people started calling him "Steve." This was after a cartoon character named Steve Canyon. He liked the name and started using it, though he never legally changed it.
Before leaving New Orleans, Steve had a car accident. He decided then that he would never drive again. In 1962, he moved to New York City. There, he became an important part of the city's writing community.
Steve Cannon's Career
During the time of the Civil Rights Movement, Steve was part of a group of Black writers called the Society of Umbra. He also taught humanities at Medgar Evers College. He helped to make public schools in New York City more open to everyone.
Writing and Publishing
In 1969, Steve wrote a novel called Groove, Bang, and Jive Around. Other writers praised it as a very important "underground classic." Some even said it was like an early form of rap music.
In the 1970s, Steve worked with writers Joe Johnson and Ishmael Reed. They started their own publishing company called Reed, Cannon and Johnson. It focused on books from many different cultures. Steve also worked with Ishmael Reed to interview George S. Schuyler, who was the first Black science fiction writer.
Art and Mentorship
Steve Cannon met artist David Hammons in the 1970s. They became good friends and worked together on art projects. For example, Hammons made "Invisible Paintings" by tracing Steve's art collection. Hammons even recorded Steve's voice reading poems. Steve also wrote poems about Hammons' art.
Steve was a mentor to many younger writers. He helped and guided people like Eileen Myles and Paul Beatty.
A Gathering of Tribes
In 1990, Steve visited a place called the Nuyorican Poets Café. This gave him the idea to create A Gathering of the Tribes. At first, it was a literary magazine. It was made to show the exciting culture in the Lower East Side of New York City. The first issue came out in 1991.
By 1993, Tribes grew into much more. It became a non-profit arts group that welcomed people from all cultures and ages. Steve ran it from his home in the East Village. It had a gallery and a space for performances. Many famous artists and musicians performed or showed their work there. These included the Sun Ra Arkestra and David Hammons.
One art show Steve put on was called Exquisite Poop. Steve was blind, and this show was inspired by how he experienced art. A painter would describe a piece to writers. Then, the writers would describe it to a different painter, who would paint it.
In 2014, A Gathering of the Tribes had to move from Steve's home. The gallery closed. However, Tribes magazine continued to publish online. Steve also published a collection of writings in 2017.
Later Life and Legacy
Steve Cannon became completely blind in 1989 due to an eye condition called glaucoma.
He passed away on July 7, 2019, at the age of 84. He died from an infection called sepsis.
Many people honored Steve Cannon after his death. There were three special events to remember him. Writers, artists, and musicians shared stories and performed. His sister and daughter also spoke. One event included a Jazz Funeral parade. This parade started at his home and went to the celebration. A jazz band from New Orleans, his hometown, led the parade. These events showed how much Steve Cannon meant to the art and writing world.
