The National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Clubs (NABSTMC) began with a dream Ken 'Dream Maker' Thomas is the founder. His intent was to start a motorcycle club that would focus on promoting a positive image of Blacks so the communities in which they lived would respect them as well as throughout the country. Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Chicago was founded in October 1993 and this club was started in Los Angeles, California.
The new club was chartered as the Buffalo Troopers Motorcycle Club of Chicago. The membership in the club grew to ninety-two their first year which rightfully earned the club the rep as being the largest Black motorcycle club in Chicago, IL. The clubhouse was located at 8510 South Ashland Avenue. 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 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.
The actively participate in charitable functions supporting senior citizen homes, student scholarships and food and fund drives for charitable organizations like The March of Dimes and Toys for Tots. The NABSTMC give back to the community by mentoring to area youth and educational programs. Another prestigious venture this club has is that they recognize every year the accomplishments and sacrifices of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Black Motorcycle Clubs need to be aware that they have a responsibility in their communities to be role models to the youth. The NABSTMC have adopted this thought process by requiring their members nationwide to carry themselves as role models and share a responsibility and a positive value system to our respective communities in which they live in. They are a coed club and open to all minorities who share in their values and an interest to support their causes.
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