We the Buffalo Soldiers/Troopers M/Cs exist to serve ourselves as riders and our communities as responsible citizens. We will provide positive role models for the youth in our communities and will continue the tradition of service to the nation as established by our Military ancestors.
"The Legacy"
The first Black Men officially recognized as Soldiers of the United States were slaves. The unit was known as the 1st Regiment of South Carolina volunteers; it was created as an experiment in November, 1862. The theory at that time was that the war between the states would last quite a while, therefore using black soldiers to fight for the Union would save the lives of many white men. The experiment worked and almost 180,000 black men participated in the war. Approximately 33,380 lost their lives in uniform.
African Americans have served proudly in every great American war. In 1866, through an act of Congress, legislation was adopted to create six all African American Army units. The units were identified as the 9th and 10th calvary and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st infantry regiments. The four infantry regiments were later reorganized to form the 24th and 25th infantry regiments.
These fighting men represented the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army. The recruits came from varied backgrounds including former slaves and veterans from service in the Civil War.
The Nickname
The nickname buffalo soldiers began with the Cheyenne warriors in 1867. The actual Cheyenne translation was Wild Buffalo. The nickname was given out of respect and the fierce fighting ability of the 10th cavalry. Overtime, Buffalo Soldiers became a generic term for all African American soldiers.
"The Legacy Lives On "
In 1993, the first chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club was founded in Chicago, IL by Ken "Dream Maker" Thomas to socialize men and women sharing similar ideals and the common bond of motorcycling.
The name was chosen to uphold and perpetuate the heroic legend of the original Buffalo Soldiers and the legacy of excellence of African American soldiers who followed.
The Buffalo Soldiers memorial at Ft Leavenworth, dedicated by General Colin Powell. Ft Leavenworth, Kansas is home of the original 10th Cavalry. The memorial honors the memory and contributions of African American men and women who proudly served this country from 1866 to 1944.
To read more about the Buffalo Soldiers please visit the following sites
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum | Buffalo Soldiers & Indian Wars