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History of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers &
Troopers
Motorcycle Clubs (NABSTMC)
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 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-three 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. 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.
Buffalo Soldiers Creed
I'm a Buffalo Soldier, And as a Buffalo
Soldier I will uphold the Standards and the
Traditions set forth by my chapter and the
National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and
Troopers motorcycle clubs.
I'm proud of my colors and the rich history
that they represent. I will wear my colors
with pride and will do all within my power
to educate the general public about the rich
history of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Buffalo
Soldiers.
I respect my colors and my Buffalo Soldier
Sisters and Brothers. And when my riding
days come to an end, I wish to be remembered
as one who served with Dignity as a
responsible biker and a proud BUFFALO
SOLDIER.
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The Clarksville Tennessee Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle
Club was co-founded by James W. Payne, Jr. (aka Jaco) and James O.
Webb, Jr. (aka Papa) on
12 July 2007
with 5 members. Membership has risen steadily with members living as
far as
Murfreesboro
Tennessee (80 miles). The Clarksville Chapter obtained National
membership by the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers
Motorcycle Clubs (NABSTMC) on Mar 2008. The
Clarksville,
Tennessee Chapter is the second Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Chapter in
the state of Tennessee and the 69th Chapter in the National
Charter. The Memphis, Tennessee Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers is the
Mother Chapter for the state. We are a non-profit Motorcycle Club
dedicated to providing service to our community and educating our
community of the significant contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers
assigned to the 9th and 10th Cavalries. We also
strive to present ourselves as positive role models to the youth and
other motorcycle riders within our communities.