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THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUFFALO SOLDIERS
AND TROOPERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC.
Ken "Dream Maker"
Thomas, Founder & President
 The
history of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Clubs 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. Here, many items dedicated to the
history and memory of the Buffalo Soldiers were displayed,
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 S.
Indiana Avenue, Riverdale. IL.
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, IL.
Brian Bulow, 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, IL. Soon after, others showed an
interest and started chapters, the next four being Florida,
Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey.
In 1999, the clubs formed the National Association of
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Clubs, and in 2006, became the National
Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Clubs.
Today, the NABSTMC consist of more than seventy member chapters
throughout the United States, including Hawaii, PHOTO and 2 in
Canada, with additional clubs petitioning for membership. All the
chapters of the association determine whether they want to be
recognized as "Buffalo Soldiers" or "Buffalo Troopers". However, all
of the member clubs wear the patch designed by the Chicago,
Illinois, chapter and subscribe to the national rules, regulations
and by-laws of the NABSTMC.
The club 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 club has also taken
the responsibility of mentoring area youth and promoting 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 encourages a positive
image and behavior of our members and affiliates. We believe that we
are role models and share a responsibility and a affirmative value
system to our respective communities.
The member chapters do not discriminate against race, religion,
gender or ethnic origin. We are an organization characteristically
comprised of minority members and accept those who share our values
and support our cause.
To find a chapter near you, click on the 'Frontiers' link:
Chapters near you.
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