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History
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The Legacy
of the
Buffalo Soldiers
Motorcycle Club
The Buffalo Troopers Motorcycle Club of Chicago was founded by
Ken (Dream Maker) Thomas, in October 1994. The organization evolved from the
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Chicago, which Ken Thomas founded in October
1993. Dream Maker, believed it was time to establish a modern progressive
motorcycle club whose focus is to promote a positive image among Blacks that
would be respected in the community and throughout the country. 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 (92) ninety-two during that first year
making it the largest Black motorcycle club in Chicago, IL. The clubhouse was
located at 8510 S. 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 of 13836 S. Indiana
Ave. Riverdale. IL.
The clubs 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 affiliations with the Buffalo Troopers M/C of Chicago, IL.
Brian Bulow, former President of the Maryland Chapter, and now Vice President of
the NABSMC
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, with the next four being Florida, Delaware, Virginia and
New Jersey.
In 1999, the clubs formed the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers
Motorcycle Clubs. As of August 2004 the NABSMC consist of twenty-nine member
chapters in twenty-one 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, IL. chapter and subscribe to the national rules
regulations and by-laws of the NABSMC.
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 mentors to the areas youth and
educational programs, which share enlightenment of the heritage that African
Americans have played in the United States. We are actively involved in
recognizing the accomplishments and sacrifices of the Tuskegee Airmen. NABSMC
encourage a positive image and behavior of our members and affiliates. We
believe that we are role models and share a responsibility to the community and
a value system. 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. "Buffalo
Troopers Moving On in our Continued Quest to be the Best"
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