Berea Buffalo Soldier Rides for Local Students & Veterans
Jermaine Crayton, a Berea resident and Vice President of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club of Cleveland, recently completed a remarkable 542-mile motorcycle ride to Charlotte, North Carolina. This dedicated journey served a vital purpose: raising funds for Berea Community Outreach’s Backpack Program, which directly supports local students in need.
A Ride for Berea’s Future: Supporting Students
Jermaine Crayton’s 542-Mile Journey
From his home in Berea’s Sandstone Ridge, Jermaine Crayton embarked on his Harley-Davidson for a long ride to Charlotte, North Carolina. This impressive 542-mile trek wasn’t just for the open road; it was a carefully planned fundraiser. Family, friends, and colleagues pledged donations per mile, generating crucial funds for a local cause.
Demonstrating his deep commitment, Crayton personally matched all the pledges received. With these combined funds, he purchased two wagon loads of non-perishable food and essential classroom supplies. These items were then delivered to Berea Community Outreach, ready to make a tangible difference in students’ lives.
The Berea Backpack Program’s Impact
The Berea Community Outreach’s Backpack Program is a vital initiative designed to support students in the Berea City School District. It addresses a critical need by providing school supplies and ensuring students have access to meals over the weekend when school-provided meals are unavailable. The program currently serves students at both Grindstone Elementary School and Berea-Midpark High School, offering a safety net for many families.
Honoring History: The Modern Buffalo Soldiers
Jermaine Crayton is not just a community advocate; he’s also a proud member of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club. He explains that the term “Buffalo Soldiers” originated after the Civil War, given by Plains Indians to mounted Black infantry soldiers exploring the American West. These soldiers were known for their tenacity and power, much like the buffalo.
Today, the modern Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club keeps this rich history alive. As Crayton states, “We keep their stories alive today… except we ride motorcycles, not horses.” Their motto, “ride, educate and serve,” perfectly encapsulates their dual mission of historical remembrance and active community service.
Serving Those Who Served: Veterans Outreach
Empowering Incarcerated Veterans
Beyond their work with students, the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club dedicates significant effort to supporting veterans, particularly those incarcerated. One of their major projects involves working with 75 veterans at Lorain Correctional Institution in Grafton. The club acts as a crucial link, connecting these veterans with vital VA services and resources.
The Buffalo Soldiers facilitate several impactful programs within the correctional facility. These include a group that crochets blankets for other veterans, art therapy sessions, and a “Healing Roots Garden” where veterans plant flowers and vegetables, fostering a sense of purpose and connection to nature. Additionally, they host fatherhood classes and courses on financial literacy, equipping veterans with essential life skills for reintegration.
Volunteer for Veterans Day
Looking ahead, Jermaine Crayton is collaborating with Chaplain Willie Springer, executive director of the Northern Ohio Veterans Association, to expand volunteer efforts for the incarcerated veterans. They plan to connect veteran volunteers from the community with the inmates at Lorain Correctional.
A special Veterans Day event is scheduled at the facility for November 10th. Community veterans interested in volunteering for this meaningful event are strongly encouraged to participate. Chaplain Willie can be contacted directly at wspringer@cityofberea.org or by phone at 440-973-4567. Crayton particularly emphasizes that women veterans are especially welcome, recognizing the need to support female veterans who are also incarcerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Berea Backpack Program?
It provides school supplies and non-perishable food items to students in the Berea City School District who need meals over the weekend. - Who are the modern Buffalo Soldiers?
They are a motorcycle club, including local resident Jermaine Crayton, who “ride, educate, and serve” to keep the legacy of the original Buffalo Soldiers alive while performing community service. - What kind of support do they offer incarcerated veterans?
The Buffalo Soldiers connect veterans at Lorain Correctional with VA services and run programs like crocheting, art therapy, a healing garden, fatherhood classes, and financial literacy courses. - How can I volunteer for the Veterans Day event?
You can volunteer for the special Veterans Day event on November 10th by contacting Chaplain Willie Springer at wspringer@cityofberea.org or 440-973-4567. Women veterans are especially encouraged to get involved.
The dedication of local heroes like Jermaine Crayton and the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club truly exemplifies the spirit of community service in Cleveland. Consider how you might support local outreach programs or volunteer your time to contribute to such impactful initiatives right here in our community.
Berea Buffalo Soldier rides to raise student funds
