The Beginning

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 cavalry 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.

History & Origin

The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Indianapolis Indiana was formed in March of 2006, with the approval of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Indiana (Mother Chapter), and Ken "Dream Maker" Thomas, Chicago Chapter President and Club Founder. This formation was the result of geographical convenience between the Soldiers in the North and South regions of Indiana. The Southern Soldiers decided to break from the Mother Chapter so that meeting locations would be a shorter distance and hope for better participation from the south. With the blessings of the National Association, Dream Maker and our brothers from the Mother Chapter the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Indianapolis Indiana was formed. This Chapter was formed with Kelvis "Bossman" Williams (President), Jeffrey "Walkman" Walker (Vice President), Michael "Blessed Outlaw" Shelton (2nd-Vice President), Ray "Red Baron" Benn (Scribe), Steve "Wagon master" McFarland (Treasurer), Jason "Shortwave" Walker (Sgt of Arms), William "Wild Bill" Sanders (Chaplain). Other Members included Carlos "Gator" Pettiford, Darryl "Big Wig" Wiggins, Michael "Joker" Rogers, Bert "Big Bopper" Owens, Cedric "Deacon" Merritt and Jesse "Guitar Man" Jones.

Mission Statement

The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Indianapolis is a far-reaching, community based club that is made up of former and active Military, Law Enforcement Officers as well as positive-thinking members of the community. The members of this club actively seek to present the sport of motorcycling in a positive way. The members seek to promote the ideas of family, friends, and motorcycling in a friendly and sharing environment. The ultimate goal of this club is to RIDE!