Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 29, 1995 TAG: 9506290107
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MAURICE A. WILLIAMS III STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"They were mad. They said, 'You sold us out,'" recalled Willis, a 1995 graduate.
However, not playing baseball was a decision Willis made so he would have more time to perform with a different kind of team - the Black Knights, a Roanoke Valley step team.
It all started four years ago when Willis was a freshman on the school's ROTC drill team. After performing the traditional drills, Willis and another ROTC member, Dwayne Davis, decided to try step routines they had seen performed by members of college fraternities and sororities.
"We got tired of doing drills. We wanted to get looser," said Willis.
Since then, the Black Knights have performed with the school's marching band in the Roanoke and Salem Christmas parades and at Roanoke Valley school programs. They also are regular performers at Fleming pep rallies and have even performed at a Virginia Tech step show. They've been invited to perform during a step show in Winston-Salem, N.C. in July. They also will perform at the Lucy Addison High School Reunion on Aug. 4.
"This year we came out the strongest. We got to do a lot of things," Willis said, adding that the group is recommended generally by word of mouth.
The Knights' membership rose from five to 12 members this school year. They practice twice a week after school, daily if they have an upcoming performance. They don't charge for performing. Instead they hold car washes to pay for outfits and travel.
One of the most difficult times for the group was dealing with the death of one of its members during the school year. Kris Willis died in February from sickle cell anemia, and his family requested the Knights perform at his funeral. Knights members, however, were too shaken to perform. Instead , they wrote Kris' name on one of the sticks they perform with and placed it in his casket, while humming "Wade in the Water."
"We're not related but he was close to me," said Kenneth Willis.
Members said their fellow students are some of their biggest fans and support them at all their performances.
"I like the rhythm [of the routines] and their look," said Carisha Jackson, a sophomore who watches the Knights practice after school.
But the admiration doesn't end with students. "They are role models for the younger students," said Susan Wenk, a Fleming history teacher.
"I think they are some of the greatest students in the school," Wenk said, adding the Knights promote good behavior, their school and unity.
"We're about a positive thing. We're striving to bigger goals," said Knight member Antwan Cook, a junior.
Performing, the Knights members said, keeps them active. "It gives you something to do. It keeps you out of trouble," Willis said.
Willis's brother, Karlton, also a team member, describes the group as "one big happy family."
Leo Larkpor, a junior, said he enjoys stepping for many reasons. "The adrenaline ... getting hyped up ... just the fun. We're entertainers. We're the best act in school," said Larkpor, referring to a Fleming talent show at which the Knights received calls for encores.
Although Kenneth Willis has graduated and Davis has transferred to another school, the other members say they will continue to perform.
Memo: NOTE: Also ran in July 12, 1995 Current