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Origin of the Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club cont...
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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 a former
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-nine member chapters throughout the United States
and internationally with additional clubs petitioning for membership. All the chapters
of the association determine
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Ken "Dreammaker" Thomas
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President and founder
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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.
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