LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring The Drifters, Incorporated upon the
occasion of hosting its 53rd Annual National Convention in Brooklyn, New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations whose focus and intent have made a substantial
impact on the quality of life in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor The
Drifters, Incorporated upon the occasion of hosting its 53rd Annual
National Convention from August 12-16, 2009, at the New York Marriott in
Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, An organization of dynamic African-American women, who are
networked across America, making an impact on their respective communi-
ties, The Drifters, Incorporated had its beginnings in Waco, Texas, in
1954; and
WHEREAS, In 1955, the first chapter of The Drifters, Incorporated was
formed in Chicago and the organization steadily grew as 30 additional
chapters were added, including ones in New York City and Greater West-
chester, New York; and
WHEREAS, The emblem of The Drifters, Incorporated is driftwood, which
represents time and movement and symbolizes the movement from frus-
tration to inner peace; the colors are silver-gray and coral and its
flower is the coral gladiolus; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to improving the plight of African-Americans, as
well as lifting the aspirations of young people, The Drifters, Incorpo-
rated supports day care centers, shelters for battered women, homes for
the aged, needy families and cultural and educational programs; and
WHEREAS, The Drifters, Incorporated has also established a non-inter-
est bearing Revolving Student Loan Fund at: the Howard University
College of Nursing, Bennett College, Bethune-Cookman College, Kentucky
State University, Norfolk State University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Martin
University, Morris Brown College, Johnson C. Smith, Virginia State
University and Virginia Union; and
WHEREAS, In addition, The Drifters, Incorporated holds life member-
ships in the National Urban League and the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People; and
WHEREAS, Each August, The Drifters, Incorporated convenes in cities
where chapters are established; in an attempt to lift the educational
aspirations of young people, scholarships are awarded to deserving
students in the city hosting the national convention; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1957, the New York City chapter of The Drift-
ers, Incorporated is known for its direct, hands-on, interface with the
students, senior citizens and community and civic groups that it helps;
and
WHEREAS, Some of the programs that the New York City chapter of The
Drifters, Incorporated has sponsored and facilitated over the past few
years include: Reducing Adolescent Problems, seminars and workshops
focusing on peer pressure, gangs and violence at William Taft High
School; hosting an entertainment event during Black History Month at the
Greater Harlem Nursing Home; raising money for the New York State High
School Leadership Conference; and participating in the American Cancer
Society Making Strides For Breast Cancer 5K walk in Central Park; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by The Drifters, Incorporated is in
direct correlation to the efforts of the many individuals who have
supported the development of this outstanding organization over the
years; and

WHEREAS, Equally commendable are the superbly-skilled staff of The
Drifters, Incorporated, whose involvement is and has always been charac-
terized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an
uncompromising standard of excellence in all of their efforts on behalf
of the organization and the population it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor The Drifters, Incorporated upon the occasion of hosting its 53rd
Annual National Convention in Brooklyn, New York, fully confident that
it will continue to enjoy the sparkling success which has so character-
ized its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Drifters, Incorporated.