History of the Cobras
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History of the Kansas City Marching Cobras
Last revised on April 2, 2007
THE MARCHING COBRAS, Kansas City, Missouri’s premier performing unit, are nationally and internationally known for their exciting, dynamic and colorful routines. The history of the Cobras, though not as well known, is just as dramatic and unique as their performances.
In 1969 the Kansas City, Missouri Board of Education hired Mr. Willie Arthur Smith as a Social Studies teacher for the 7th and 8th grade students at Lincoln Junior High School. Mr. Smith, a graduate of the University of Arkansas (AM&N) with a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies, arrived in Kansas City, Missouri from his hometown of Prescott, Arkansas. Undoubtedly, the district had no idea they were hiring the man who would become Kansas City’s most productive and visible goodwill ambassador.
Mr. Smith was concerned about the lack on constructive outside activities available to the children of the inner city. He saw the need for a positive activity that would provide both a social outlet and a meaningful experience for young people as an alternative to hanging around the streets.
In September of 1969, Mr. Smith entered 15 young men in a school talent show and they won 1st place thus the legend began. The number in the group tripled with a year, and has grown steadily ever since. Over a span of 38 years, there have been an estimated 8,000 youth that have participated in the Marching Cobras.
Originally an all boys unit, the Marching Cobras were called the Lincoln Junior High Boy’s Drill Team. Girls were not allowed to join until 1976. It was during this time that Ms. Wilma Cain, one of Mr. Smith’s most valued supporters came on board as Mr. Smith’s assistant. Leacy Hollingsworth, Lincoln Junior High School’s librarian, was responsible for the name change to the Cobras. Ms. Hollingsworth jokingly commented, “They should be called the Cobras because they are as fast and as swift as a snake.” The name was certainly appropriate considering the lightning speed of their maneuvers and the dexterity with which they twist and gyrate to the beat of the drums. The legal name of the organization is now the Willie Arthur Smith’s Marching Cobras, Inc.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City sponsored the Marching Cobras for 17 years. A special grant for the United Way, and the support of the Boys and Girls Clubs allowed the Marching Cobras to continue and grow. Founder Willie Arthur Smith, parents and the chaperones made the decision in March of 2005 to separate from the Boys and Girls Clubs. Bishop Mark Tolbert of Christ Temple Church afforded the Marching Cobras with much support and a place to practice. Due to new construction at the Christ Temple School, the De’ La Salle Education Center provided a practice facility form 2005 – 2006. November 2006 with the assistant of Alvin Brooks, Mayor Pro tem, the Cobras are now housed at the Wayne Minor Community Center.
The Marching Cobras are now incorporated, as of 2005, and have obtained their 501(c)3 status. We are now able to accept donations and contributions that are tax deductible.
Willie Arthur Smith’s Marching Cobras, Inc are Kansas City’s premier performing drill team. In January 2007 H&R Block became the proud sponsor of the Marching Cobras. Mr. Smith and several Cobras accompanied representatives of H&R Block to New York City to participate in the national “Tax Day” While in New York City, the Cobras performed at the Stock Market and the famous Sylvia’s restaurant. They were special guest on the CBS Today Show. In 38 years the Cobras have won over 300 1st place awards and trophies in various competitions and parades. The Marching Cobras have starred in several televisions commercials and other media advertising campaign, including a television pilot show called “Purely Personal” in Hollywood, CA. The Marching Cobras have performed for three United States Presidents: President Lyndon B Johnson, President Ronald Reagan (1988) and President William Jefferson Clinton (1995) The Cobras have performed in 43 of the 50 states and internationally they have perform in Nice, France (1889, 1996) and the country of Morocco.
The Marching Cobras are made up of approximately 150 young people from all over the Greater Kansas City area. The members are encouraged to be creative, accept responsibility and to be respectful while performing and in their everyday interaction with the public and their families.
Willie Arthur Smith has remained the heard and soul of this dynamic organization for over 38 years, and is still preserver today. He has built this organization with blood, sweat, tears and with every penny he could afford. He is a public figure whose accomplishments are seen by many as an outstanding example of commitment to young people. Today he is known in Kansas City as The Legendary Willie Arthur Smith.
