WS Chronicle

Photo by Tevin Stinson

Family and friends reflect on the life of Krishawn Noble during vigils 

BY TEVIN STINSON

THE CHRONICLE

The community was shaken to the core last week when news surfaced that Krishawn Noble, a middle school teacher with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School District, was found dead in Kernersville Lake following a search conducted by family and friends.

According to reports, Noble, 23, rented a paddle boat around 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25. Two hours later his boat washed ashore with his wallet and other personal belongings inside. At that time the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department conducted a search using underwater divers, sonar, and blood hounds. After conducting a second search Friday morning, the Sheriff’s Department called off their search at 6 p.m. Less than 30 minutes later, during a search conducted by more than 50 family members and friends, Noble’s lifeless body was found floating in the lake.

Those who knew him well said Noble was the type of person who would give you his shirt off his back. During a vigil held by family and friends, Jonathan McDaniel, a close friend, said Noble was always a voice of comfort for him and many others.

“He was always calm, cool, and collected. If something was to go wrong, he was always the one saying everything is going to be okay,” continued McDaniel. “If you were his friend, he considered you his brother and that’s the way he treated everyone he came in contact with, like family.”

At a time when African-American males are constantly portrayed in negative light, Noble, who was set to begin his teaching career at East Forsyth Middle School on Monday, Aug. 29, his twenty-fourth birthday, Noble looked to change that narrative. Although Noble was 6’7 and a talented basketball standout at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy, he decided not to play at the collegiate level because he wanted to show African-American children that you don’t have to dribble a ball or score touchdowns to be successful.

“He didn’t want to be a stereotype and he didn’t want others to fall into that stereotypical way of thinking either,” said McDaniel. “Krishawn showed a number of kids and even some adults that they can do anything they put their minds to.”

During a vigil held at his alma mater, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), Chancellor Elwood Robinson said Noble was a promising young man who was an exceptional mentor for young people.

“We talk about making a change in the African-American community and Krishawn had that power to bring about change. He was special,” Robinson said.

As he stood before dozens of family members, friends and others who were touched by Noble’s presence, Robinson noted, “At a time when it is nearly impossible to get young African-American males to go into the teaching profession, Krishawn stood tall and answered the call.

“He was a beautiful human being with a great spirit,” he said.

WSSU middle grades education major Shannon Smith, who had a number of classes with Noble, said although Noble was a quiet person, when it came to his school work Krishawn was very knowledgeable and would jump to be the first to lead classroom discussions.

“He had a goal and he was determined to reach that goal,” Smith said.

During a brief discussion with The Chronicle following a separate vigil held at the William G. White Jr. Family YMCA, Noble’s older brother, Kevin Noble Jr,. said although it has been a hard time for him and the Noble family, it felt good to know that his brother touched so many people before his untimely passing.

“My brother inspired so many people to put their best foot forward and follow their dreams,” he said. “It has been hard, but we all have to stay strong because that is what Krishawn would have wanted.”

Funeral arrangements for Krishawn Jamar Noble are scheduled for today, Thursday, Sept. 1 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church located at 1212 North Dunleith Ave. The service is set to begin at 3 p.m.