BY JENNIFER SANKEY-BATTLES, Ph.D. (Contributors Manny McDuffie, Kenneth Wilson, and Phyllis Neal-Wilson), GUEST WRITER TO THE TIMES
ORLANDO – T’was 10 days before Christmas, on Sunday, December 16, 2024, at 6:00 AM, the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Orlando held “Shop with a Buffalo Solider” at the Walmart on John Young Parkway. Several Buffalo Solider Motorcycle Club members of Orlando rode their motorcycles to the event and wore holiday hats. The event started with prayer offered by Kenneth Wilson, Life Member and former Sgt-At-Arms.
As the children entered the store, Buffalo Soldiers and volunteers from various organizations paired with children, strolled through the store’s aisles, looking for gifts on the children’s wish list and spending quality time together. With excitement, children were shopping and carefully selecting toys and valuable items, being mindful not to exceed their $100 spending allowance. An eight-year-old girl closely checked prices and compared prices of toys, choosing the one at a lower cost; she commented, “I want to use my money wisely.” Several children purchased gifts for themselves and their parents, their faces lit up with excitement and joy.
The “Shop with a Buffalo Solider” was more than about spending money; it was a joyous occasion that allowed the children and Buffalo Soldiers to spend time getting to know one another, which aligns with the mission of the Buffalo Soldiers: ride, educate, serve. While shopping and serving the community, the Buffalo soldiers had the opportunity to observe and educate/guide the children in decision-making skills and money management, as well as encourage them to pursue their academic and career goals.
This holiday “Shop with a Buffalo Solider” event was not just a shopping spree; it was a life-changing experience that positively impacted over 120 children and their parents/guardians from neighborhoods located in and within the surrounding areas of Taft, Orlando, Apopka, and Zellwood. One child shopper, the youngest of seven children in her family, commented, “This will be my best Christmas; I will always remember it.” The Buffalo Soldiers and volunteers expressed their fulfillment from participating in this meaningful and memorable event, knowing they had made a significant difference in these families’ lives. Arthur Battles, Buffalo Solider Calvary Trooper, representing the United States Colored Calvary 9th and 10th, stated, “I enjoyed being a part of this event; it was inspiring and heartwarming. The two young men whom I shopped with expressed their appreciation of our time together and the funds allotted to purchase a fishing rod and accessories, and a Lego set.”
For the past nine years, Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club members have partnered with various corporate sponsors and organizations to organize this worthwhile holiday shopping activity. This year, Attorney Michael B. Brehne was the corporate sponsor. His generous support along with the Buffalo Soldier’s annual bowling tournament fundraiser, and Walmart for reserving the store exclusively for this shopping event, made it possible for over 120 children to have a memorable Christmas shopping experience. At the shopping event, Mr. Brehne commented on why he felt it was important to give back to the community during the holiday season and year-round. His words of encouragement and support were greatly appreciated by the Buffalo Soldiers and the children and families they serve.
The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Orlando, established in 2007, has over 35 members. The members proudly ride their motorcycles, give educational scholarships, and serve the community by participating in charitable events such as Back to School activities, monetary donations to cancer survivors, gift-giving to Senior Citizens, and the Shop with the Buffalo Solider event. In a conversation with President Manny McDuffie, he expressed his passion for this worthwhile event. He enjoys letting the children choose their holiday gifts since they know what they like. He recalls when a child thanked him for toys received during the holiday years earlier. The Buffalo Soldiers plan to deliver gifts to children who cannot attend the “Shop with the Buffalo Soldier” event. Two children were unable to attend because the children have a parent who is blind. Knowing the value of charitable events, the Buffalo Soldiers will continue to serve their community with the “Shop with a Buffalo Soldier” and other worthwhile events. If the Buffalo Soldiers and sponsors did not host this event, many needy children would have no holiday gifts.
A salute of honor is in order for members of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Orlando, their dedication to ride, educate, and serve transforms the lives of men, women, boys, and girls.
For more information about the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Orlando, visit their website @ Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club – BSMC Orlando Objective and Purpose
