History of the NABSTMC
(National Association Of Buffalo Soldiers And Troopers Motorcycle Club)
Our History 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.
AND WE GREW......
our first year
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.
I just knew I could get a group of people together who had the same passion I had in riding.....
~ Ken 'Dream Maker' Thomas
“The club far exceeds any visions that I had for the original club”
~ Ken ‘Dream Maker’ Thomas
......THEN WE BECAME POPULAR
Brian Bulow, a former President of the Maryland Chapter, and past 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 120 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.
accountable in our communities
The NABSTMC has also taken the responsibility of mentoring to area youth and conducting 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 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.
