 |
| Visionary, perpetuator, pioneer originator, trail- blazer, leader, trend- setter, paradigm, vanguard, precursor… |
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.
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.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
 |  |
