Social and Civic Whirl: Norfolk Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc. To Host National Conclave

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The Greenbrier Resort, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, will be the venue for the 83rd National Conclave from May 16-20, 2018 hosted by the Norfolk Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc. led by, Pamela E. Riddick, National Vice President and President of the Norfolk Chapter. At this conclave where the theme is “A Gathernig of Swans,” they are expecting approximately 700 friends which will include spouses and guests.

The Girl Friends, Incorporated is a nationally known civic and social organization of African-American Women. This group of professional women was founded, during the Harlem Renaissance, in 1927.  A small group of women who were friends and wished to stay in touch while attending college and beginning their adult life and careers met, at Harlem’s Cotton Club, in Manhattan.  

From this meeting, Eunice Shreeves, Lillie Mae Riddick, Elnorist Younge, Henri Younge and Thelma Whittaker founded what is known today as The Girl Friends.  In 1928 a chapter was started in Philadelphia and in 1933 Baltimore and New Jersey organized chapters.  On September 23, 1938, a national constitution was drawn up and The Girl Friends became officially incorporated.  Eunice Shreeves, the first president of the original chapter in New York became the first National President of the organization.

After ninety-one years, this organization of Girl Friends, Inc. has grown to over 1700 women in 47 chapters across the country.  As a civic and social organization, they make contributions to charities such as The Urban League, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and other noteworthy civic organizations. Name of students are submitted by the Norfolk Chapter and the other Chapters to vie for a National Scholarship.

Through the ages, The Girl Friends have remained true to “its fundamental tenet, to foster friendship.”

This year will be no different   – FRIENDS ALWAYS!!!

By Ola Goss

Social and Civic Whirl Columnist

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