| Club History |
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.
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.
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 |
| Chapter History |
| 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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