Charleston, WV Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club
The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Charleston, WV was formed in July, 2013. We are an organization of professional men and women that are dedicated to the sport of motorcycle riding and safety.
We are dedicated to serving our community by provding scholarships, identifying and meeting community needs, educating and mentoring. We support our veterans, local charitable organizations, uphold the traditions and standards of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club, promote motorcycle safety and the rich history of the African American 9th and 10th Calvary, Buffalo Soldiers.
We educate others about the racism, sacrifices and hardships the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalries had to endure. Our mission is to keep the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers alive through our efforts of serving, educating, and riding in and through the community, mentoring, community events, scholarships, food drives, and education of the rich history of the 9th and 10th Cavalry units.
We choose charitable causes that demonstrates our commitment to serving people. We collaborate with local organizations such as the United Food Organization, Manna Meal, Charleston Marriott, Charleston Visitors Bureau, WV Department of Tourism, Charleston and South Charleston Police Departments, Kanawha Charleston Housing, WV Breast Health Initiative, Sojourners, Alpha Kappa Alpha, local churches, 98.7 the Beat, Brooalexa, West Virginia State University, Capital City Bikers Bash, Mardi Gra Casino, Mt State Harley Davidson, Baxter’s Harley Davidson and New River Gorge Harley Davidson as well as welcoming others.
Please contact us for additional information, to request presentation, to volunteer or to make a donation.
National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club N.A.B.S.T.M.C
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.
In 1999 discussions began on forming a National Organization. in Greenville, South Carolina at the site of the 1999 Black Bikers National Round-Up. During that meeting, the formation of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club was approved and the officers were selected. Ken “Dream-Maker” Thomas became the National Organization’s first President and all the members wore the patch that was originally designed by the Chicago, Illinois chapter.
The NABSTMC, now with over 100 chapters, is an active participant in numerous charitable functions including supporting senior citizen homes, student scholarships and food and fund drives for charitable organizations.
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. The majority of our organization is comprised of minority members who accept those who share our values and support our cause.
Who Are The Buffalo Soldiers?
African-Americans have fought in military conflicts since colonial days. However, the
Buffalo Soldiers, comprised of former slaves, freemen and Black Civil War soldiers,
were the first to serve during peacetime.
Once the Westward movement had begun, prominent among those blazing treacherous
trails of the Wild West were the Buffalo Soldiers of the U.S. Army. These
African-Americans were charged with and responsible for escorting settlers, cattle
herds, and railroad crews. The 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments also conducted
campaigns against American Indian tribes on a western frontier that extended from
Montana in the Northwest to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in the Southwest.
Throughout the era of the Indian Wars, approximately twenty percent of the U.S.
Cavalry troopers were Black, and they fought over 177 engagements. The combat
prowess, bravery, tenaciousness, and looks on the battlefield, inspired the Indians to
call them “Buffalo Soldiers.” Many Indians believe the name symbolized the Native
American’s respect for the Buffalo Soldiers’ bravery and valor. Buffalo Soldiers, down
through the years, have worn the name with pride.
Buffalo Soldiers participated in many other military campaigns: The Spanish American
War, The Phillippine Insurrection, The Mexican Expedition, World War I, World War
II, and the Korean Police Action.
Much have changed since the days of the Buffalo Soldiers, including the integration of
all military servicement and women. However, the story of the Buffalo Soldiers remain
one of unsurprassed courage and patriotism, and will be forever a significant part of
the history of America.
African-Americans have fought with distinction in all of this country’s military
engagements. However, some of their most notable contributions and sacrifices came
during the Civil War. During that conflict, more than 180,000 African-Americans wore
the Union Army blue. Another 30,000 served in the Navy, and 200,000 served as
workers on labor, engineering, hospital and other military support projects. More than
33,000 of these gallant soldiers gave their lives for the sake of freedom and their
country.
Shortly after the Civil War, Congress authorized the formation of the 9th and 10th
Cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st Infantry Regiments: Six all Black peacetime
units. Later the four infantry regiments were merged into the 24th and 25th Infantries.
In countless skirmishes and firefights, the troopers won the respect of the Plains
warriors who named “Buffalo Soldiers.” African-Americans accepted the badge of
honor and wore it proudly.
At least 18 Medals of Honor were presented to Buffalo Soldiers during the Western
Campaigns. Similarly, 23 African-Americans received the nation’s highest military
award during the Civil War.
