National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers

          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 as other clubs began affiliations with the Buffalo Troopers M/C of Chicago, Illinois.

         Then, Brian Bulow, a former President of the Maryland Chapter, and former NABSTMC Vice-President, 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. Memphis is the forty-forth chapter.  Officially coming on line in December of 2005.  All the chapters of the association determine whether they want to be recognized as “Buffalo Soldiers or Buffalo 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 open to membership by all who would like to actively participate.

          Memphis, the Tennessee Mother Chapter, is a Central Frontier member of the NABSTMC and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of Americans who share a common interest in the sport of motorcycling and the study of African American History.  We ride under the name of the Buffalo Soldiers to express our pride in, and our respect for the many accomplishments they made during the decades following the Civil War.  We tell the story of the courageous Buffalo Soldiers and the brave Native American Chiefs and warriors that they fought during the settlement of the American west.  We strive to honor this heritage by organizing and participating in various community service programs and projects that enhances and promotes cultural and ethnic awareness.  I encourage you to view our community service page.

          We are available to host a educational presentation for your school, church or other community organization. Also we have have a scholarship program for Memphis City High School Seniors and accept paypal donation from the community service page on this website.  The Buffalo Soldiers MC of Memphis, TN, strive to be more than just a motorcycle club.  Our goal is to be a organization that services the community as mentors, partners and leaders.  Please feel to contact any member.  Our contact info is on our Members/Contact page.