


The history of the National Association of
Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle
Clubs (NABSTMC) began with a dream; in
this case, the dream of Ken 'Dream
Maker' Thomas. Believing that it was
time to establish a modern progressive
motorcycle club whose focus was to
promote a positive image among Blacks
that would be respected in the
community and throughout the country,
Thomas founded the Buffalo Soldiers
Motorcycle Club of Chicago in October
1993. The name Buffalo Soldiers was
initially selected to pay homage to and
ensure the legacy of African American
military contributions in the post Civil
War era. Under the leadership of Ken
Thomas, the new club was chartered as
the Buffalo Troopers Motorcycle Club of
Chicago. Membership in the club grew to
a total of ninety-two (92) during that first
year, making it the largest Black
motorcycle club in Chicago, IL. The
clubhouse was located at 8510 South
Ashland Avenue. The clubhouse
displayed many items dedicated to the
history and memory of the Buffalo
Soldiers such as pictures, books,
statues, and an authentic buffalo head
donated by member Ernie Daurham.
In 1996, the club moved from this location to its current location at 13836
South Indiana Avenue, in Riverdale, Illinois. The club's popularity grew as
members attended the national roundups and rallies held in various cities in
the country. This popularity transformed into interest of other clubs in
affiliation with the Buffalo Troopers M/C of Chicago, Illinois. Then, Brian
Bulow, a former President of the Maryland Chapter, and now Vice President
of the NABSTMC saw the Chicago Buffalo Troopers at the Atlanta Roundup
and displayed an interest in starting a chapter. That interest resulted in the
first chapter to wear the “patch” outside of Chicago, Illinois. Soon
afterwards, others showed an interest and started chapters, the next four
being Florida, Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey.In 1999, the clubs
collectively formed the NABSTMC which currently consists of forty-one
member chapters throughout the United States with additional clubs
petitioning for membership. All the chapters of the association determine
whether they want to be recognized as “Buffalo Soldiers or Troopers”.
However, all the member clubs wear the patch designed by the Chicago,
Illinois chapter and subscribe to the NABSTMC rules, regulations, and by-
laws. The NABSTMC is now an active participant in numerous charitable
functions including supporting senior citizen homes, student scholarships
and food and fund drives for charitable organizations, i.e. The March of
Dimes and Toys for Tots. The NABSTMC has also taken the responsibility of
mentors to area youth and educational programs, which share
enlightenment of the heritage that African Americans have played in the
United States. We are also actively involved in recognizing the
accomplishments and sacrifices of the Tuskegee Airmen. NABSTMC
encourage a positive image and behavior of our members and affiliates. We
believe that we are role models and share a responsibility and a positive
value system to our respective communities. The member chapters do not
discriminate against race, religion, gender or ethnic origin. We are an
organization majority comprised of minority members and accept those
who share our values and support our cause.

Ken 'Dream Maker' Thomas Founder
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In 2003 at the roundup in Atlanta Ga., Precious and Roamy saw the Buffalo Soldiers stampede through the roundup. Men and women on their iron horseS, it brought attention to the crowd, but Precious and Roamy was so amazed at what they saw that they started at that moment gathering information on how to bring a chapter to New Orleans La. Precious said to Roamy, "I have been a Renegade for 25 years, but this is something I want to be a part of and the history it stand for".
So when they returned home, Roamy started his search on who to contact and what was needed to do. First step was to contact the President in Shreveport La. the ''mother''chapter. The six months probation turn into 18 months. Although the obstacles they went through made them stronger, because they were determined to be soldiers like the 9th cavalry ''we can ''we will''.
The Founders did just that, Jerome Young, Joseph Carriere, Patricia Wheeler & Sylvester Johnson.
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