Shaw U. Drum Major Marvin Cannon Awarded B.U.D.S. Foundation Scholarship

Raleigh, NC – Marvin Cannon, a senior from Jessup, GA., majoring in Visual and Performing Arts with a concentration in Music, is the 2019-2020 recipient of The Jackson-Williams Scholarship from the B.U.D.’S Foundation.

The acronym B.U.D.’S stands for Bikers United to Defend Driving Safely and The Jackson-Williams Scholarship is named in honor of fallen motorcycle riders and former Shaw students De’Andre “Kuntry” Jackson and Bryant “Big Worm” Williams. Since 2015, the B.U.D.’S Foundation has awarded this scholarship to deserving Shaw University students to recognize and encourage their educational efforts.

The selection criteria include academic achievement, leadership, service, and character. Candidates are evaluated based on the scope of their campus and public engagement work and demonstrated the potential to have an impact in their community. Cannon, whose brother was Bryant Williams, made such an impression on the Jackson family that members of the family nominated Cannon to receive the award. Cannon serves as Drum Major for the Shaw University Platinum Sound Marching Band, is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., has supported numerous campus cleanup projects, and served as a volunteer at Okefenokee EMS.

“Motorcycle Clubs and Ministries do a lot of charitable work in their communities without asking for recognition,” B.U.D.’S Foundation representative Tracey Burnett says. “This aligns with the B.U.D.’S Foundation focus on public engagement and impact, ensuring that the attitude of servitude we create here for these students is used to them go out and help provide better outcomes in their communities.”

Following graduation, Cannon hopes to teach high school band in his hometown while continuing to perform on the side. “This scholarship will help me to focus on pursuing my dreams with less financial stress. It also proves that people do recognize your value and your hard work. So, my message to current and future Shaw Bears is ‘Never give up on your dreams, because a dream without action is just a thought.’”

The Jackson-Williams Scholarship is funded with support from The 919 Bosses Motorcycle Association, the Jackson and Williams families, riders in Wayne and Johnson counties, and a broad spectrum of riders and community partners. This year, the United Way campaign of UPS Raleigh/Durham also supported the scholarship fund.

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