African American club celebrates 50 years on Harleys

LOS ANGELES-Harley- Davidson recently paid tribute to one of the nation's earliest established African American Motorcycle Clubs, the LA DOs. Established in 1957, The LA Defiant Ones or The LA DOs were formerly known as the LA Devils. Harley-Davidson Motor Company joined 5,000 motorcyclists and clubs including Rare Breed, Magic Wheels, East Bay Dragons, The Divided Times, LA Choppers , and a host of other clubs in a weekend long celebration honoring The LA DOs 50th anniversary.

Interestingly, many African American motorcycle clubs in addition to the LA DOs, members are required to own and ride Harley- Davidson motorcycles exclusively. In an effort to recognize their great accomplishments and dedication to Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson Motor Company the brand, Harley-Davidson Motor Company and local dealership, California Harley-Davidson, hosted a celebratory reception in their honor.

"H-D has a long history of African American riders as demonstrated in the Harley only motorcycle clubs like The Defiant Ones, that are celebrating 50 years of membership, and other clubs like Rare Breed-18 years, Magic Wheels-33 years, Soul Brothers- 40 years, East Bay Dragons- 57 years? the list goes on and on. Harley's active outreach efforts acknowledge and celebrate the long history of loyal African American Harley owners," said Lynn Bonner, director of market outreach for Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

Highlights of the reception included a special tribute to the club showcasing a visual portrayal that spans their 50 years of Harley- Davidson motorcycling; special awards and tributes to the club founders and living retirees; presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation for long-time commitment to the Harley-Davidson Brand; and door prizes and giveaways such as leather jackets, pins and other keepsakes from Harley-Davidson's MotorClothes and Accessories line.

In addition to recognizing the club's long-standing history, the Company also paid tribute to 15 retirees from the LA DOs. Jackets and a signed letter from Willie G and Bill Davidson, great-grandsons of one of the original Harley- Davidson founders, were presented to the retirees as an expression of appreciation for their commitment and loyalty.

This is part of the December 19, 2007 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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