Baltimore Black Tigers – a true party with a purpose
We’re all familiar with the Baltimore Black Tigers (BTMC) infamous Pajama Jammy Jam weekend. If you’re not, this is one of the most anticipated events in the m/c community. But did you know it’s so much more?
There’s lingerie, silk robes, entertainment, vendors, elaborate ice sculptures, sold out hotels (yes, plural) with riders traveling from near and far to attend. But do you know how this “event” came to be and more importantly the impact it has on not only their partnering charities, but also their local economy?
The Baltimore Black Tigers began in 1996 under founders Rodney “Yoda” Jones, Lynnette “Lo Jack” Mickens, Geno Maddox, Kevin Forsythe, Wayne Brownly with original club member Keith “Lo Kei” Grissom becoming VP and eventually President in 2005. The club has grown to more than 100 members collectively located in TX, NC, ATL, FL and PA. One of the aspects that immediately impressed me with the BTMC years ago was reading their mission statement which included “promote a family atmosphere” and “fellowship among club members in and outside of the area” front and center on their website. The club also actively involves their “Tiger Cubs” in the various charities and canned goods drives they support. “We believe in including our kids in our activities when possible” said President Lo Kei. “This way they know we’re involved in their lives which helps to keep them out of trouble. We’ve even provided motorcycle escorts to proms.” he continued with pride.
Back in the day, the club was involved in several outreach efforts including a breast cancer bike and car wash, charity ride, fundraisers and the Pajama Jammy-Jam. This was in addition to still getting out and supporting other clubs. As you can imagine, this was a significant undertaking forcing the founders to considers a few cuts, including the Pajama Jammy-Jam party. However, with wanting to provide a unique event for the motorcycle community, they choose to keep the Pajama Jammy-Jam as it proved to be a fun and effective opportunity to get others involved.
How did the party grow into what it is today? Mutual respect and support. “When we first started, there weren’t many bike clubs in the area so we traveled” said club P.R.O. Neville “Nasty Nev aka Can’t Get Right” Williams. “Whether it was a quick trip to DC or hitting the road to Philly, New York, New Jersey, Ohio or North Carolina, we got on our bikes and did what we like to do and that’s ride” he continued. This mutual respect and support certainly paid off as evidenced by the love they receive beyond their Pajama Jammy-Jam such as selling out their Atlantic Beach Bike Week “Back to Black Beach Bash” at the House of Blues which was at full capacity with a line of riders still hoping to get in at 1am.
With their host hotel selling out within 30 minutes of its availability announcement and four additional overflow hotels selling out, the local economy benefits tremendously with this volume of visitors in town.
Although the party is well respected and attended, attracting notable personalities such as drag race World Champion Rickey Gadson, Grammy nominated R&B singer Raheem Devaugn, comedian Michael Blackson, female R&B Hip-Hop singer and radio-host Lil Mo, funny man Troy “Ghost Host” Rawlins as well as professional athletes, the party still remains true to its purpose of supporting the Bea Gaddy Foundation, Red Cross and breast cancer awareness. During last year’s anniversary weekend, the Black Tigers set a Red Cross record for the most units received during a single weekend. This was in addition to collecting hundreds of pounds of food and clothing for the Bea Gaddy Foundation and raffled off prizes such as 48” TV to raise money for breast cancer awareness with 100% of all earnings going towards their partnering charities.
Another key element to their success is attention to customer service. “Our job is to make sure everyone has a good time”, said Lo Kei. “We kick back and party the rest of the year, but when it comes to our weekend, it’s our time to put in work and I make sure that expectation is set with all of our members. If there is a problem or issue, I want to know about it so we can address it” he continued confidently. Following this sense of humility, during last year’s party, Nasty Nev was un-shamefully moved with emotion as he began the Throttle Hand-Up Moment of Silence. Speaking passionately from his heart, there was a shared sense of camaraderie that resonated with all in attendance. Prior to taking the stage, he humbly took time to kneel with a prayer which no doubt put his spirit in the right place for his moving call for remembrance.
This year the club celebrates their 16th anniversary with a “Sweet 16 Bling” theme. For the 3rd year they have chosen not to allow Colors during the evening parties as a means to promote unity within the motorcycle community. It also helps attending clubs to be creative with the different theme orientated parties as well as giving people an opportunity to truly meet and greet with each other.
With such respect, support and desire to serve others, Baltimore’s Black Tigers continue to lead by example. Oh, let’s not fake like they don’t think they don’t have any “spirited” personalities, Nasty Nev, Pauly Walnutzz, Deacon, and Lil Kim to name a few. With Club DJ Lemonade, a band consisting of club members Lo Kei on bass guitar, founder Lo Jack on guitar with vocals by Babyphatt and iCandi and sound engineering by found Yoda AND an event productions team, how can they not know how to party with a purpose!
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