Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®
Theta Zeta Omega Chapter
Serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast Since 1965
Founders' Day Greetings
Greetings to each of you, and welcome to our 2026 Founders' Day program. This is a time when we celebrate the founding of our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the twenty trailblazing women who paved the way for members of our sorority and all Black Greek-letter sororities.
We are so grateful you decided to join us today as our organization celebrated 116 years of service and sisterhood since its founding on January 15, 1908, on the Howard University campus in Miner Hall. As Women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, we are thankful for our Founders' vision and the mission of service they established.
We use this platform today to honor their rich legacy and recognize members of our community who, through their ideology and work, share in that mission today. It is a privilege and indeed a pleasure to have an opportunity to publicly thank this community for supporting our great sorority over the past 60 years to showcase this year. Theta Zeta Omega Chapter will recognize Norma Caples and Norma Graham Dreamer Recipients.
We will also recognize our 2026 Women of the Year and celebrate a milestone year of service to all mankind. Sisters will celebrate 25 years of service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
We look forward to our continued partnership as we continue to serve and uplift the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Again, thank you for joining us today,
Respectfully,
Dr. Bridgette Parks, President
Theta Zeta Omega Chapter
Founders' Day Guest Speaker
Mrs. Toni Wallace Franklin
Mrs. Toni Wallace Franklin is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® initiated into the Zeta Lambda Chapter at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she served as Undergraduate Chapter President and Membership Chairman. And in 2022, she was one of the first recipients of the UTM Black Alumni Council Excellence Award.
Mrs. Toni is currently a member of Phi Lambda Omega Chapter in Memphis, TN, where she is a charter member and served as the third President of the chapter. She also held other positions in leadership in Phi Lambda Omega to include Vice President, Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and has served as Chairman of the Program Committee, Standards Committee, President’s Council, Founders’ Day Committee and served on numerous other committees within the chapter. She is an incorporator of the chapter’s foundation, The Pearls of Service, and has held the position of Vice President. Mrs. Toni has been recognized by her chapter as a recipient of the Reva Allman Soror of the Year Award and the Adreinne P K Washington Silver Soror of the Year. Most recently she served as the Co-chair of her chapter’s 25th Chartering Anniversary Celebration and received the inaugural Velma Lois Jones Pearl Award for her exemplary service and leadership in her chapter.
Regionally, Mrs. Toni has served on the Regional Protocol Committee, the Regional Membership Committee, the Evaluation/Investigation Team, General Co-Chairman of the 81st South Eastern Regional Conference, and General Chairman of the 90th South Eastern Regional Conference. Most recently, she served as a member of the International Risk Management Committee during the Excellence Administration; and is currently serving as the Tennessee Statewide Cluster Coordinator, and internationally as the South Eastern EAF Regional Coordinator.
Professionally she retired from the U S Postal Service after 37 years in Operations Management as an Executive Postmaster in Nashville, TN and most recently Louisville, KY appointed as the first African American Female in both metropolitan cities. She is a graduate of the Executive Leadership, Advanced Leadership and Managerial Leadership Programs. Mrs. Toni has a Green Belt certification and has been awarded both the Employee Engagement and Coaching certifications through Gallup.
Mrs. Toni is a member of Brown Missionary Baptist Church and is married to Mr. Gino Franklin. They are the proud parents of two adult sons, Brian and Corey Franklin.
At our annual Founders Day celebration hosted by the Theta Zeta Omega Chapter, we honor outstanding individuals and organizations for their exemplary service. This year, we're proud to recognize our 2026 Woman of the Year and the recipients of the 2026 Norma Caples and Norma Graham Dreamer Awards, highlighting exceptional contributions in Jackson and Harrison County. Additionally, we'll acknowledge members reaching milestone years in our sorority, this year's sisters are achieving silver status at 25 years, celebrating their enduring dedication to our sisterhood and community.
2026 Theta Zeta Omega Awards
Mrs. Ida Watson-Pines
Theta Zeta Omega proudly recognizes Ida Pines as our Woman of the Year, honoring her exemplary service, leadership, and commitment to sisterhood.
Ida is widely respected for her servant leadership and genuine dedication to meeting the needs of others. Throughout the chapter, she is known for her consistent willingness to serve and her supportive presence among Sorors. During her tenure as Hostess, she reestablished meaningful chapter traditions, including acknowledging birthdays, milestones, accomplishments, anniversaries, and times of bereavement—strengthening connection and care within the chapter.
Since her initiation into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in 2018, Ida has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the mission and standards of the organization. She has served Theta Zeta Omega with distinction in the roles of Corresponding Secretary and Hostess, and her leadership extends to the Ivy & Pearl Affair (TIPA), where she chaired both the Hostess Committee and Decorations Committee. As chair of the Anniversary Community Service Project, she led efforts that exceeded expectations, resulting in the collection of more than 6,000 donated items. Her additional service includes work on the Founders’ Day Committee, Protocol Committee, VSP Guest Committee, and active fellowship with the Cultural Pearls.
Ida’s dedication is reflected in her consistent participation at the chapter, regional, and national levels. She has attended all Regional Conferences, Cluster Meetings, and AKA Day at the Capitol since joining Theta Zeta Omega, maintains near-perfect chapter meeting attendance, and actively engages with Sorors at Boule. While involved in various organizations, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® remains her primary focus and passion.
2026 Norma Caples Dreamer Award-
Jackson County
Mr. Prentiss Williams
Prentis Williams is a dedicated administrator and counselor who has served students, families, and the Pascagoula-Gautier School District with distinction for more than 25 years. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to educational equity, student success, and community impact, helping thousands of students graduate and advance.
A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Mr. Williams pursued additional leadership and administrative licensure to expand his influence in education. Known for his professionalism, steady leadership, and approachability, he has earned the trust of students, families, and colleagues alike.
As a leader of the Pascagoula Opportunity Center, Mr. Williams has been especially impactful in supporting underserved and at-risk student populations. He has worked diligently to remove academic barriers, address disciplinary challenges with care, and ensure students receive comprehensive support—academically, emotionally, and socially—while transitioning back to their home schools.
Mr. Williams’s legacy is defined by service, compassion, and advocacy. His work continues to inspire hope, foster opportunity, and transform lives, embodying the spirit of the Norma Caples Dreamer Award.
2026 Norma Graham Dreamer Award-Harrison County
Rev. Cory Watts
Reverend Cory Watts exemplifies the spirit of the Norma Graham Dreamer Award through his unwavering commitment to service, community uplift, and visionary leadership. As Pastor of Greater St. John AME Church, he leads with purpose beyond the pulpit, translating faith into meaningful action.
Through the Extend A Hand Nonprofit Organization, Reverend Watts has spearheaded initiatives such as food drives, community cleanups, and charitable giving efforts that address the immediate needs of underserved families. His service is further reflected in his personal outreach, including offering free line dance classes that promote wellness, fellowship, and multigenerational connection, as well as leading clothing drives to ensure dignity and care for those in need.
Reverend Watts is also deeply invested in mentorship and youth development through the Omega Lamplighters mentoring program, where he guides young men toward leadership, responsibility, and purpose.
With compassion, consistency, and selfless dedication, Reverend Cory Watts embodies the heart of a dreamer—one who actively works to build a stronger, more caring community—making him a deserving recipient of the Norma Graham Dreamer Award.
We are honored to celebrate the remarkable dedication and enduring legacy of a member who has devoted 50 years of service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This prestigious milestone is commemorated with the esteemed title, Golden, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to our cherished sisterhood. This year, we proudly acknowledge Mrs. Charlotte Evens. Her remarkable contributions and steadfast commitment exemplify the spirit of excellence within our beloved sorority.