The Gary Chapter of Drifters, Incorporated is pleased to announce that one of its members Daisy Holiday Purnell was recently awarded the Now Black Woman Award presented by the National Drifters Incorporated during the organization’s 65th Annual National Convention hosted in Arlington Virginia on August 7, 2021. The award is the highest distinction awarded by the National Chapter. Mrs. Holiday-Purnell is the second Drifter member from the State of Indiana to receive the prestigious award and the organization’s 49th Now Black Woman recipient.
The National Drifters, Inc., awards the Now Black Woman award to a member who has displayed extraordinary achievements and service in with their local chapter, the national organization, local community, and has achieved exemplary accomplishments in their personal and professional careers, and continues to practice their hobbies, avocations and interests. Holiday-Purnell is a retired educator from the Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC). In addition to serving for many years as an educator Holiday-Purnell continues to be committed and active with her local church, local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., and Beta Mu Chapter, she is a lifetime member of the local NAACP Chapter, Lifetime member of AFT Local #4, member of the Retired Teachers Association and a member of the Sophisticated Divas in Red Hats. Holiday-Purnell has been a member of the Gary Chapter of Drifters, Inc., for 16 years where she has served in many capacities and is currently the chapter’s corresponding secretary.
“The Now Black Woman Award is the highest recognition by the National Drifters, Incorporated and I know that Mrs. Daisy Holiday-Purnell is extremely deserving of the honor,” said Nakea S. Barksdale, president, Gary Chapter of Drifters, Inc. “At 87 years young Mrs. Daisy continues to serve our organization and our community and I think her commitment is truly worthy of the recognition. On behalf of our entire chapter, I congratulate Mrs. Daisy on being selected the 2021 National Drifters, Incorporated Now Black Woman.”
