| Club Founder Ken "Dream Maker" Thomas |
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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 seventy-
three member chapters throughout the United States and internationally 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.
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 seventy-
three member chapters throughout the United States and internationally 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.
| Visionary, perpetuator, pioneer originator, trail-blazer, leader, trend- setter, paradigm, vanguard, precursor… |
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