LA DRIFTERS HISTORY
HOW IT BEGAN... NATIONAL
The idea for The Drifters, Incorporated was conceived in Waco, Texas in 1954. A group of women friends, who remained connected, although separated by distance, never drifted apart as they pursued lives and careers. The first and founding convention of The Drifters, Incorporated was hosted by the Chicago Chapter in 1957. Over the years, The Drifters continue their ongoing commitment to serve. Each year, during The Drifters National Convention, college scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students who live in the city of the host chapter and biannually The Drifters Emergency Student Grant (DESG) is given to a college or university selected by the Drifter delegates.
HOW IT BEGAN... LOS ANGELES
Thirty-seven years ago, Founder Elizabeth Grubbs gathered a group of 20 professional women to form an interest group called the Associated Drifters. The Associated Drifters held a very successful fundraiser, “A DAY TO REMEMBER” on October 9, 1982. The Los Angeles Chapter installed its charter members during a private candlelight ceremony followed by a dinner dance with 250 people in attendance, including members of our sponsoring chapter, Montclair, New Jersey. The Los Angeles Drifters hold the distinction of being the last chapter installed in its hometown as all subsequent chapters are installed during national convention.
In our 37-year history, the L.A. members have held nine national executive board offices. Jo Ann Jolly-Banks and Deborah Pryor were elected as National Presidents and National Vice Presidents; Beverly Pegues Morgan and Deborah Pryor served as National Treasurers and Frances Woods and Erma Bernard Gibson were appointed as National Parliamentarians. L.A. Drifter chapter member, Doris Robinson, was National Historian/Protocol Secretary and the first L.A. Drifter to serve at the national level.
The Drifters, Incorporated’s most prestigious award is bestowed annually to one member with an exemplary history of national and chapter service. The Now Black Woman Award has been presented to three Los Angeles Drifters: Jo Ann Jolly-Blanks, Beverly Pegues Morgan and Deborah Pryor.