Bikers training young people to be leaders is a flipped script that finds Milton “Manish” Burchfield — founder and national president of the Memphis-based Chief Enforcers — in a role that he has no hesitation about playing. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Manish of the Chief Enforcers strikes a pose with (left) to right  Delmohn (Munie Grip) Rainey (left) and Patrick (M.P) Jackson, videographers and members of the MSMA  Bikers association. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Young people who show an interest in joining the Chief Enforcers inherit a club of mentors and guides who require them to excel in their education and their jobs. Once a young person turns 18, they become eligible to join the club. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Cheyvonne Molino, national vice-president of the Chief Enforcers, said the age of a male-dominated motorcycle culture is over. (Courtesy photo)

The Chief Enforcers are committed to breaking racial barriers. Chance “Eazy”  Watson said, “For me, race has never been a factor. I am a Chief Enforcer because we believe in the same things. We are like extended members of one family.” (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Milton “Manish” Burchfield has no hesitation about playing the role of a biker training young people to be leaders.

Burchfield is founder and national president of the Memphis-based Chief Enforcers. He said the profile of bikers has evolved and that clubs now doctors, attorneys, law enforcement, firefighters, educators and other professionals.

“Many of us are married with children and work a full-time, nine-to-five, but we love life on the motorcycle set,” said Burchfield. “Our focus is on reaching out to young people and helping them tap into their own greatness. That’s just how we roll.”

Burchfield is a criminal justice instructor at Sheffield Career and Technology Center. Young people who show an interest in joining the Chief Enforcers inherit a club of mentors and guides who require them to excel in their education and their jobs.

“Once a young person turns 18, they become eligible to join the club,” said Burchfield. “I am a former Millington police officer, and I know from experience that young people need someone to take an interest in them. We train them to become leaders. They are taught by our example.”

Chief Enforcers check up on students in school and in their workplaces. They are required to maintain an above-average grade point, successfully graduate from high school, and continue their education in a college or university.

The club was established in July of last year with seven members. Today, there are 14 here in Memphis. Two other chapters have been established in California, where they are run by the national vice-president Cheyvonne Molino, Burchfield’s cousin.

“When we initiated the club last summer, it was important to us that the organization be community-oriented,” said Molino.

“Children need us. Many of us are parents, and we feel obligated to reach out to youth.”

Molino, owner of a beauty salon in the California Bay area, said the Chief Enforcers also recognize that women can play a major role in achieving the club’s purpose.

“The age of a male-dominated motorcycle culture is over,” she said

Another focus of the club, said Burchfield, was to integrate so that “the organization is not a black club.”

“We are one of the few clubs which encourages integration among our members,” he said. “One of our generals is Caucasian. We encourage diversity and open our doors to all who share a belief in what we are trying to do in the community.”

Twenty-four-year-old Chance “Eazy”  Watson was impressed with the club and what it is doing for young people.

“All we do is really about the community,” he said. “We raise money for charities and do all kinds of good things to make life better for less fortunate people. For me, race has never been a factor. I am a Chief Enforcer because we believe in the same things. We are like extended members of one family.”

Watson will complete his studies in avionics at the Technology Center of Memphis in October. He is employed at Best Buy and at the FedEx hub.

“I experienced first-hand what it is like as a young person to have other people encourage you and offer support in completing your education. Manish and the other members have been there for me and for other young people just starting out. My life has been a great ride as a Chief Enforcer.”

According to Molino, thirty students are headed for college, thanks to the club’s youth outreach. A social club of non-riders is also being mentored by the group.

“A social club for youth has been established for those who choose not to ride, but have a love for motorcycles,” said Burchfield.

“Chief Enforcers promote motorcycle safety, we educate through motorcycle rider safety courses, seminars, and rallies,” he said.

“We want to always stay true to our goal: live life to the fullest and staying positive to ourselves, our families, and to one another.”