On September 19, 1950 I greeted my parents MC and Elizabeth Thomas and my older brothers for the very first time in Chicago, Illinois. Initially a construction worker, my father surrendered this seasonal job to become a janitor with the Chicago Public Housing Authority. My mother was a licensed practical nurse. I am the fifth of six boys born to MC and Elizabeth. Older siblings include Jerry, Larry, Michael, Robert and youngest brother Reginald make up this diverse group of men of the Thomas family.
Our parents pushed us hard to ensure that we received the education needed to be successful. Competitiveness within society, setting the tone, and taking the lead was stressed because in most instances such qualities lead to positions above layman within a chosen job field. Each son chose a career path to achieving their individual goals.
A product of the Chicago Public School System I graduated from Linblom Technical High School in 1968. A year later I married my wife of today in August 1969. From this union was born our only offspring, Eric.
While in high school Impromptu speeches on various subjects during different school venues resulted in my developing and honing my public speaking skills. Upon leaving high school I entered the work force securing my very first job with the United States Postal Service where I toiled as a clerk. After a year of paying my dues I moved to letter carrier where I remained for six year when I decided I would "Serve and Protect" the citizens of Chicago.
When summoned in May 1975 I excepted the position of police recruit with the Chicago Police Department. My three year law enforcement career with the CPD was interrupted when I took a leave-of-absence to except a position offered me in the fall of 1978 at Chicago's #1 newspaper, the Chicago Tribune Company as a Circulation Sales Manager. During my six year stay with the Tribune I received managerial training via various courses.
Ending my leave-of-absence in 1985 I returned to the Chicago Police Department where I to date have remained. The department is divided into 25 geographical areas referred to as police districts, and known as precincts in police jurisdictions such as New York, Seattle, Baltimore and others. Assigned to the 4th Police District I have the responsibility as its Liaison Officer to interact with politicians, clergy, business leaders, and community groups located within the geographical boundaries of the district.
To occupy my leisure time and to relieve the stress of a demanding job I took up the sport of motorcycle riding in 1985. Before purchasing a real bike I invested in a used 1982 Honda Goldwing. As my curiosity about motorcycle clubs grew so did my desire to participate in club events being held throughout the country. In 1992 I was accepted as a member of one of Chicago's motorcycle clubs. Operational experiences gained with this club were combined with managerial training obtained at the Chicago Tribune, inevitably preparing me for what was to come.
To combat the stigma that is associated with bikers I decided to establish a motorcycle club known today as the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Clubs in hope of removing this long standing shadow of darkness by projecting within our communities and out, a positive image of who we obviously are, African American bikers. Laying claim to no territory we currently number 88 chapters throughout the United States including Hawaii. Breaking bread with our neighbor to the north resulted in a lone chapter being established Canada's province of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The NABSTMC is currently America's largest African American motorcycle club. As our number continue to grow it is obvious that the image we envisioned and project is a positive one observed by many and some who were inspired to join ranks with us.
As founder of the first BSMC and the eventual formation of others I am proud of the effect we have had not only on our communities but a nation. It is my sincere hope that the pride, honor, and respect that we feel continues to inspire individuals to form chapters of the Buffalo Soldiers MC in North America and possibly beyond.
Kenneth G. Thomas