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The Franklin Tri-County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. celebrated its annual May Week on May 22 by highlighting “unsung heroes.”

A chapter news release noted that May Week is a national program of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated that was created at the second national convention at Wilberforce University in 1920. A week in May is set aside for programs highlighting academic and professional achievements to emphasize the importance of higher education in the community, especially for Black women.

The speaker at the May 22 celebration was the Rev. Dr. John Ryan Faison Sr., pastor of Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and a native of Southampton County. The theme of the celebration was recognizing “unsung heroes.”

Student honorees within the Franklin Tri-County Alumnae Chapter’s service area were as follows: Ty Smith, of Southampton High School; Kaylen Blow, of Franklin High School; Destiny McDaniel, of Windsor High School; Nasyira Morcom, of Surry County High School; and Isaiah Williams, of Sussex Central High School.

Community leaders within the chapter’s service area that were honored included Lakenneth Kindred, Kashif Carter, Derrick Thompson, Carl Faison and the Rev. Lillie Faison.

The chapter took time to recognize the area organization known as Citizens Create Change. As stated on its website, CCC is an organization that believes in the importance of community and its ability to drive change. It is founded on the principle that an empowered people can shape and change their situation. 

“Via education and organization, our work shows that we can all be the change we want to see,” CCC officials stated.

This organization was instrumental in the name change of Blackhead Signpost Road to Signpost Road in Southampton County.

CCC committee members include Travis Parker, Michelle Covington, Latoya Garraway and Ricky Blunt.

The Franklin Tri-County Alumnae Chapter honored morticians, highlighting the untiring professional services they have been providing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those recognized included William Engram, of Engram Funeral Home; Raystine Johnson, of Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home; Kim and Edith Shivers, of Shivers Funeral Chapel; Karen Sabrina Hary-Newby, of Poole’s Funeral Home; and Vaughan-Temple Funeral Home.

Franklin Tri-County Delta Sigma Theta honorees included Orris Lane, for organizing her street initiative, and Kisha Watford, who has been an organizer and leader of Girl Scouts for 20-plus years.

Other members within the chapter were also recognized during the celebration for promotions and accomplishments.

Each year the chapter hosts a community service project. This year, the aim was a sock drive. Socks were donated and will be distributed to area nursing homes for residents.

The president of the Franklin Tri-County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is Angela Artis, the vice president is JoAnn Faulk, and the May Week chair is Norma Jones.