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[[images: two black and white photographs of members of the National Drifters]]


A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL DRIFTERS, INC.

The National Drifters, Inc., had its beginning in Waco, Texas in 1953; and in 1955 a chapter was formed in Chicago, which was soon followed by Louisville, Indianapolis, St. Louis, New York, Kansas City, South Bend, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Montclair, Norfolk, Raleigh, Greensboro and Portsmouth.

The first convention was held in Chicago in 1957 and annually since then in different cities.

Each chapter is composed of women with similar interests, backgrounds and aims who felt the definite need to share their interests socially and to participate locally and nationally in civic, educational and charitable activities.

The Drifters have a life membership in N.A.A.C.P. and the National Urban League. In an attempt to lift the aspirations of young people, a scholarship fund is provided for a deserving student in the host city each year. In 1969 a Revolving Student Loan Fund was established in the name of the National Drifters, Inc., for students in the School of Nursing at Howard University.

Pix on these pages were taken at the 1971 convention in Newark, N.J. and at the Annual Reception of the New York Chapter of Drifters held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in March, 1972.

DRIFTERS

The ladies in the above pictures are some of the members of the N.Y. Chapter of the Drifters who are responsible for this Annual Convention:

Louisel Cleete, Erlene Collins, Shirlly David, Skeeter Davis, Susan [Du?]sleston, Lona Fluker, Miriam Gilbert, Dorothy Gordon, Frankye Graves, Peri Cousins Harper, Mary Jo Joseph, Lora Prescot, Evelyn Parker, Shirlee Rousseau, Ianthia Smalls, Mildred Tucker and Mary Louise Williams.