Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Ocean Chapter of the National Drifters, Inc.

Floor Speech

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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to join its officers and members in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Ocean Chapter of The National Drifters, Inc.

Founded by Marilyn Joyce, the Ocean Chapter of the National Drifters, Inc. was sponsored by the Montclair Chapter and chartered in 1974. As one of 37 chapters of The National Drifters, Inc., Ocean Drifters is committed to fulfilling The National Drifters mission of fostering female fellowship and leadership and supporting local communities. Through outreach efforts such as voter education and registration, donations of culturally diverse books to school libraries, and scholarships for high school seniors, Ocean Drifters continues to contribute to communities across Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Additionally, many of its members have served in leadership positions on the national level, incIuding President, Vice President, Public Relations Chairperson, and Convention Chair. Ocean Drifters members Sylvia Thomas, Helen Scott, Shirley Williams, and Yvonne Russell-Mann have been honored with the Now Black Woman Award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.

It its 50th year, the Ocean Chapter of the National Drifters, Inc. consists of 17 members: Marjorie Clark, Mary Inge, Channie Hewitt Johnson, Beverly Cotton, Aleathea ``Pepper'' Riley, Victoria Anderson, Cassandra Keyes, Evelene Anderson, Tanya Russell-Brown, Maris Henson, Courteney Wilds, Nicole Dookie, Yvonne Hunley Jones, Lisa Barksdale, Simone Edmond, Monique Gamboa, and Felicia Bourke.

Mr. Speaker, for 50 years, the Ocean Chapter of The National Drifters, Inc. has upheld its endeavor to provide opportunities for women to engage in community service and improve the lives of others. It is my privilege to congratulate the club on this milestone and wish them another 50 years of success.

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