Born and raised in Carson, CA, Shawntwayne Cannon II moved with his parents and six siblings to Lancaster for better opportunity. Shawn wanted to give back by empowering his peers, teaching them to take ownership of their community. Shawn knows what it is like to have social injustices interfere with one’s education and dedicated his life to being a part of the solution. After graduating Desert Winds High School with honors, Principal’s Award, Senator Scott Wilk Future Leader Award, and The Presidential Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Shawn was offered an Avid Tutor position with the Antelope Valley Union High School District. The young activist-built relationships with hardworking educators who dedicated their lives to helping our children achieve higher learning, as well as personal enrichment, with little to no recognition. This is where Shawn found his passion for education. 

As part of his years of service in Local Government Shawn helped to establish the Social Equity Commission, during the global unrest in summer 2020 and became the first GenZ City official in Lancaster as its Chairman. He was Field Representative for California’s 21st Senate District and represented the Antelope Valley on the Los Angeles County Anti-Racism Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board. 

As part of his service within the community Shawn served as President of the Antelope Valley Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Vice President of Antelope Valley NAACP fighting for civil rights and economic justice. He worked as a mentor to high school students as an Educational Life Coach, on the front lines of the battle against chronic absenteeism. 

Shawn is dedicated to bridging the gap between the community and their local government by building a coalition around the success of the next generation. He comes to Eastside Union as Deputy Mayor for the City of Lancaster, a Board Member for the California Association of Youth Courts and a Father.