NABSTMC
The History of the National Association of the Buffalo Soldiers Troopers Motorcycle Club began with a Dream. In this case, the Dream of Ken ‘Dreammaker’ Thomas.
Believing that it was time to establish a modern progressive motorcycle club whose focus was to promote a positive Image among African Americans 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, and currently with over 120 chapters, 44 states including Hawaii, and the country Germany, making it the largest African American 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 five being Florida, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey and California. In 1999, the clubs collectively formed the NABSTMC which currently consists of over one hundred chapters throughout the United States. All the chapters of the association voted in Ken "Dreammaker" Thomas President and founder. All the members wear the patch that was originally designed by the Chicago, Illinois chapter and subscribe to the NABSTMC rules, regulations, and by-laws.
The NABSTMC is a private not for profit organization who provide donations for local and national tax-exempt charities pursuant to 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code whose mission is harmonious with the NABSTMC. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, political or religious affiliation, neither do we claim any territory. One Club, One Patch, One Mindset (OCOPOM)