North Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club
Preserving the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers while serving our community through scholarship, mentorship, and motorcycle safety education.
Our Story
The Northern New Jersey (North Jersey) Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club was founded in November 2010. Our chapter is the 92nd Chapter of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club (NABSTMC), the largest African American motorcycle club in the United States, with 120 chapters encompassing 35 states and an international chapter located in Germany.
Our membership is predominantly comprised of African American professionals, including active and retired law enforcement and military personnel.
Our Mission
Preserve the Legacy
Preserve the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry of the United States Army.
Community Support
Provide support to civic or charitable organizations in the surrounding communities.
Role Models
Be a positive role model for the youth in our community.
Safety Education
Teach and promote motorcycle safety in our community.
Uphold Traditions
Uphold the traditions and standards of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club.
We ride under the name Buffalo Soldiers to express our pride and respect for the accomplishments made by African American soldiers from the time following the Civil War. We hope to instill that pride in the minds and hearts of today's generations, especially those unaware of the Buffalo Soldiers' contributions to history.
Our Academic Support to Our Community
As part of our ongoing commitment to uplift and invest in our community, the North Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club (NNJBSMC) proudly offers scholarships to help students pursue their academic and career aspirations. We understand that every path to success is unique, which is why we provide three distinct scholarship opportunities—each designed to support different types of learners and future leaders. All scholarships are subject to available funding.
The Founders Scholarship
The Founder's Scholarship is a one-time award presented in honor of the visionary leaders who established the North Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club: John "Punisher" Jewel and Gordon "Flash" Williams.
Founded in November 2010, NNJBSMC is proud to be the 92nd chapter of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club (NABSTMC).
$500
Scholarship Award
One-time award to help cover tuition and related expenses
3.0
Minimum GPA
Required for graduating high school seniors
This scholarship award of $500 is intended to help cover tuition and related expenses for students entering a university, college, or accredited trade school.
Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who have been accepted into an accredited institution. The award will be paid directly to the institution once enrollment is confirmed.
We ride under the name Buffalo Soldiers to honor and carry forward the strength, courage, and contributions of African American soldiers who served with distinction after the Civil War. Through this scholarship, we seek to instill that same pride and determination in the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
The Road Captain Scholarship
In motorcycle clubs, the Road Captain plays a vital role—planning routes, ensuring safety, and leading the group toward its destination safely.
The NNJBSMC proudly offers the Road Captain Scholarship, a one-time financial award of $300, dedicated to supporting students pursuing careers through skilled trades. This scholarship may be applied toward tuition and other related expenses at an accredited or state-certified trade school.
Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.0 who have been accepted into a state certified or accredited vocational or trade school. The award will be paid directly to the institution once enrollment is confirmed.
Just as the Road Captain leads the ride with vision and responsibility, this scholarship supports young leaders ready to take charge of their futures in hands-on, high-demand professions.
The Riding Pillion Scholarship

In motorcycle terminology, the "pillion" (pronounced pɪl-jən) refers to the seat behind the rider, occupied by a trusted passenger who shares the journey and supports the ride.
Inspired by that spirit of shared purpose, the NNJBSMC proudly offers the "Riding Pillion" Scholarship—a one-time financial award of $150. This scholarship is designed to assist with essential educational expenses, including books, school supplies, personal needs, and food.
Full-Time Students
Currently enrolled in an accredited university, vocational, or trade school
Academic Standing
Successfully completed at least one semester with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or equivalent passing "grade"
Direct Payment
Scholarship paid directly to the student after verification of continued enrollment
Just as the pillion rider is not merely a passenger but an essential partner in the journey, this scholarship supports students who are actively navigating the road toward a better future.
Application Requirements & Process
The Founders Scholarship
Applicants for the Founder's Scholarship must submit the following materials, which must be submitted as ONE PDF file, named Full Name.City.State.pdf:
  • Completed Application, excluding general information/instructions.
  • Unofficial High School Transcript (or equivalent documentation for home-schooled students), verifying a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Essay: 750-1500 words, double spaced, 12 pt font, 1 inch margins, authentic work with less than 10% similarity when checked for plagiarism. Additional essay instruction below.
  • Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, administrator, or school counselor, printed on official school letterhead.
  • Letter of Acceptance from an accredited university or college.
  • Signed release form (including parent's signature if under 18).
  • Letter of Introduction: Include your full name, accomplishments (honors and awards), family background, community service involvement, intended degree or trade, an explanation of your financial need and how you will give back to your community.
  • Name and Mailing Address of the financial aid office at the institution you will be attending.
  • Recent Headshot Photo: to be used for official purposes. Ensure the image is clear, well-lit, and appropriately framed in a neutral background. Business casual or uniform representing your vocation or trade, 1280x720 pixels, imbedded directly into the PDF application
  • Parent/Guardian Signature, if the applicant is under 18 years of age.
  • Additional Scholarship Eligibility: Applicants for the Founder's Scholarship may also be considered for scholarships offered by the Northeast Frontier and the NABSTMC and would be required to attend the NABSTMC Convention in Tampa Florida July 9-11, 2026, to receive the award.

Note: Incomplete application packages will not be considered and are subject to automatic disqualification.
Essay Instructions:
Please submit a 500-word essay on one of the following topics:
  1. The Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers: How the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers inspires my journey today.
  1. Character and Leadership Topic: Embodying the Buffalo Spirit: Leadership through adversity.
  1. Medal of Honor Recipient Spotlight: The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the United States, presented by the President in the name of Congress. Choose a Buffalo Soldier who received this honor, and share a brief narrative about their life, service, and the lessons we can learn from their dedication and sacrifice.
The Road Captain Scholarship
Applicants for the Road Captain Scholarship must submit the following materials, which must be submitted as ONE PDF file, named Full Name.City.State.pdf:
  • Completed application excluding general information/instructions.
  • Unofficial High School Transcript (or equivalent documentation for home-schooled students), verifying a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or PASS.
  • Letter of Recommendation (1 page maximum) from a teacher, administrator, school counselor, employer, mentor or other non-related mentor familiar with your interests, work, art or community, printed on official letterhead, as appropriate.
  • Letter of Acceptance from a certified or accredited vocational or trade school.
  • Signed release form with parent's signature if under 18 years of age.
  • A 4-7 minute unlisted YouTube video link. See guidelines below.
  • Name and Mailing Address of the financial aid office at the vocational or trade school you will be attending, including your student ID number, if available.
  • Recent Headshot Photo: to be used for official purposes. Ensure the image is clear, well-lit, and appropriately framed in a neutral background. Business casual or uniform representing your vocation or trade, 1280x720 pixels, imbedded directly into the PDF application
  • Additional Scholarship Eligibility: Applicants for the Road Captain's Scholarship may also be considered for scholarships offered by the Northeast Frontier and the NABSTMC and would be required to attend the NABSTMC Convention in Tampa Florida July 9-11, 2026, to receive the award.

Note: Incomplete application packages will not be considered and are subject to automatic disqualification.
Video Instructions:
Please submit a 4-7 minute (maximum) Unlisted YouTube video link:
  • Introduce yourself
  • Provide your family background
  • Describe how you give back to your community
  • Discuss your proudest accomplishments to date
  • Describe your certificate, license or training you are working toward and why you chose it. Optional: If you already have experience in your chosen field, show or describe the skills you've learned.
  • Answer the questions: What lessons from the history of the Buffalo Soldiers can you apply to your vocational journey
The "Riding Pillion" Scholarship Requirements
Applicants for the Riding Pillion Scholarship must submit the following materials:
  • Letter of Introduction: Include your full name, academic accomplishments (honors and awards), family background, community service involvement, intended degree or trade, and an explanation of your financial need.
  • Proof of Enrollment: From an accredited university, college, or trade school.
  • Recent Headshot Photo: Appropriate and professional in appearance.
  • Unofficial College Transcript
  • Letter of Recommendation: From a teacher, administrator, or school counselor, printed on official school letterhead.
  • Community Letter of Recommendation: From a community service organization, nonprofit, or religious institution, printed on organizational letterhead.
  • Essay: 250-500 Word Essay on one of the designated topics listed in the essay section below.
  • Parent/Guardian Signature: If the applicant is under 18 years of age.
  • Completed Application Forms: All forms must be filled out in full.

Note: Incomplete application packages will not be considered and are subject to automatic disqualification.
Essay Instructions:
Please submit a 250-500-word essay on one of the following topics:
  1. The Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers: Discuss the impact the Buffalo Soldiers made during wartime and/or peacetime. Why is it important to preserve and pass on their legacy to future generations?
  1. Buffalo Soldiers and National Infrastructure: Provide specific examples of how the Buffalo Soldiers contributed to the development of roadways, national parks, and mail service in the United States.
  1. Medal of Honor Recipient Spotlight: The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the United States, presented by the President in the name of Congress. Choose a Buffalo Soldier who received this honor, and share a brief narrative about their life, service, and the lessons we can learn from their dedication and sacrifice.
Instructions for Submitting Applications
All completed applications and required documents must be scanned and emailed to: ilag8r@gmail.com by 11:59 pm January 15, 2026. When emailing the application, please type your full name on the subject line.
All sealed high school and or college/trade school transcripts must be sent to the mailing address below by 11:59pm January 15, 2026.
Only complete applications will be considered. Applications submitted more than 3 days prior to the deadline will be reviewed for accuracy and completion, allowing the candidate to resubmit by the January 15 deadline.
Please mail official transcripts to:
North New Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club
PO Box 25425
Newark, New Jersey 07102