In the precious time period between 1948 and 1961, the spirit of community and organization of the American Druze Society was manifested through a series of important conferences and events that shaped the social and cultural fabric of the Druze in the United States. We will take you on a journey to these years and highlight the most prominent moments and events.
The year 1948 witnessed the first conference of the society in Washington, D.C., after which the society adopted the name "Annual Convention of the American Druze Society." The second conference was held in Washington, D.C., in 1948, and it saw the leadership of society president Mahmoud Sadek and his deputy Dalal Daoud from Washington, D.C., while Polly Salman from Saginaw, Michigan, was the conference chairwoman.
In 1949, the third conference moved to Detroit, Michigan, and was sponsored by Branch No. 2 "The Druze Pioneers." The society flourished under the presidency of Edward Egram from Flint, Michigan, and the tradition of the pioneers.
In 1950, the conference was held in Richmond, Virginia, under the leadership of George Rafi. Although not many details are available, this event certainly had its impact.
In 1951, the conference was held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, under the leadership of Dr. Eddie Richards. Unfortunately, we only have limited information about this conference.
In 1952, the eyes of the Druze turned to Cleveland, Ohio, where the sixth consecutive conference was held. Fred Maln chaired the society and the conference, and this event was full of activities and joy, including various trips and entertainment competitions.
In 1953, Dallas, Texas, hosted the conference under the leadership of Mr. Izzat Joseph and conference chairman Polly Salman, and despite the lack of information about this event, it certainly had its impact on history.
In 1954, the Druze gathered in Washington, D.C., for the eighth conference. President Jim Salman Jr. led this event, and the conference program was full of diverse activities and fun.
In 1955, the Druze met in Charleston, West Virginia, under the leadership of Mickey Sanjed and Bill Hamada. Although there are few records available, these leaders made this conference special.
In 1956, the tenth conference was held in Detroit, Michigan, and saw the leadership of Roger Maln and Grant Hamada. This conference not only provided an opportunity for entertainment, but it was also an occasion to showcase Syrian heritage and enhance communication and understanding among the society's members.
In 1957, the conference was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, chaired by Jim Salman Jr. and Dalal Daoud. Despite low attendance, this event had its place in the history of the Druze in America.
In 1958, the twelfth conference was held in Richmond, Virginia, under the leadership of George Rafi. This conference saw strong support from the Pioneer branches.
In 1959, the conference moved to Washington, D.C., and was led by Jim Salman Jr., with Edward Richards chairing the conference. Jim Salman described this conference as a "huge success with great attendance."
In 1960, the fourteenth conference was held in Richmond, Virginia, under the leadership of William Hamada. Despite the lack of information about this conference, it continued to build a record of successful conferences.
In conclusion, in 1961, the fifteenth conference came to Flint, Michigan, and was led by Society President J. Raymond Najjar. This conference was of special importance, as the memory of the late William Egram was honored.
This is the success story of the American Druze Society during this exciting period, where communication and Druze culture were strengthened in the United States through a series of conferences and events that left an indelible mark on the history of the Druze community in America.
