Belleville Black Knights Drum & Bugle Corps

The Belleville Black Knights were an all-male Drum & Bugle Corps organized in September of 1953 by Director Forrest Creson and Business Manager Vern Poole. The Belleville Black Knights quickly gained state and national prominence early on as they won the AmVets National Championships in their first year of competition in 1954. In 1972, the Black Knights opened up their membership to females and became co-ed. Throughout their years in competition, they amassed many awards and titles which included winning 5 National Championships and 25 State Championships. In addition, they were also finalists at 25 National Championships. The Black Knights were active from 1953 through 1990.