Buffalo Soldiers to rev up for good cause
Regional group to meet in N. Charleston, raise money for kids
By Brian Hicks
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Buffalo Soldiers of the 19th Century guarded the transcontinental railroad, carried the U.S. mail and served as the nation's first park rangers.
Their namesakes, who are riding into North Charleston on Friday, want to honor the memory of those African-American Cavalry regiments, teach a few people some history and do a few good deeds of their own.
Myron "Pepper" Thomas, president of the North Charleston chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, is hosting the national organization's regional summer meeting June 11-13. The bikers plan a charity ride to benefit the Windwood Farm in Awendaw.
Not enough people know about the history of this country, or African-American history in particular, Thomas said. The Buffalo Soldiers were instrumental in the country's expansion, and fought in the Indian wars. Nearly two dozen Buffalo Soldiers won the Congressional Medal of Honor during the Indian Wars alone, and others have been awarded the medal posthumously.
"Our main goal is to teach the real history of the Buffalo Soldiers," Thomas said. "I have found that many people don't know about it."
This is not your typical motorcycle group. The North Charleston chapter, one of nearly 100 chapters across the country, follows the national's organization model -- funding scholarships, donating to churches and other charities and giving Christmas presents to needy kids. They also speak to schools about the history of the Buffalo Soldiers.
In fact, you have to know that history to be part of the club. And you have to be willing to teach it.
The club, which is selling tickets to weekend events, including a banquet, is looking for sponsors for a charity ride Saturday from the Embassy Suites at the Coliseum to Patriots Point and back. Thomas said he hopes to raise several thousand dollars for Windwood, a private non-profit that offers long-term care and therapy for children.
Judy Ward, development director at the farm, said the Buffalo Soldiers already have made a big impact on the kids there, showing up on their Harleys and wearing the old uniforms of their namesakes.
"They want to be an influence for good in the lives of young people," Ward said. "They just want to help."
The Buffalo Soldiers will be out on Saturday, many in period uniforms, displaying their bikes at the Embassy Suites after their charity ride.
"They rode horses, we ride iron horses," Thomas said.
for sharing this. I too do not know much about Buffalo Soldiers.
