Kids, go to college. One reason getting a higher education is awesome is the ability to pledge at any number of Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations. Don’t believe that it’s a great opportunity? Just look at these celebrities that have chosen to cross the burning sands. In Part 1 of our look at famous Black Greeks, we looked at some notable members of Omega Psi Phi and Kappa Alpha Psi. This time, we look at prominent Phi Beta Sigma and Alpha Phi Alpha men.
Martin Luther King, Jr. – Alpha Phi Alpha – He’s the Alpha’s crowning achievement as a brother. Do we really have to tell you what he did? If so, you should probably continue that education on in to higher learning. You might need it.
Cornel West – Alpha Phi Alpha – He’s one of the smartest men in the world. An author and college professor, West has been a pivotal African-American philosopher. When you read his books, you might want to keep a dictionary handy.
Lionel Richie – Alpha Phi Alpha – Say youuuu…say meeeee. Lionel used to make classics in his day. Now, he’s kind of a laughing stock, but he was a legend in his time.
Hill Harper – Alpha Phi Alpha – Author, actor and according to one weird episode of The Game, a relationship expert. He’s got the whole “upstanding Black man” thing that Alphas exude down to a science.
Thurgood Marshall – Alpha Phi Alpha – A little bit of history: he’s the first African-American on the Supreme Court. He was also the lawyer for Brown V. Board of Education. He’s a winner for real.
W.E.B. Dubois – Alpha Phi Alpha – One of the pivotal members of the NAACP, Dubois was one of the most important Black intellectuals of the 20th century. He as also an early member of Alpha Phi Alpha, helping rise the group to prominence.
Emmitt Smith – Phi Beta Sigma – Oh, he’s only the leading rusher in NFL history. Nothing to see here, kids. Emmitt is apparently one of the most enthusiastic celebrity fraternity members out there, as you can see by his gear.
John Lewis – Phi Beta Sigma – Senator Lewis was a freedom rider and led sit-ins back in the 60s. Now, he’s running things in the government. Funny thought: imagine Sen. Lewis rocking the crowd during a step show!
The Temptations – Phi Beta Sigma – One of the later incarnations of the Temptations was full of Sigmas that pledged in Chicago. Bet you didn’t know you were jamming to Sigma music every time you dance to the group’s classics.
Blaire Underwood – Phi Beta Sigma – He’s a sex symbol…at least he was, like, 20 years ago…and he’s still acting to boot. Your aunts are probably still swooning over his old-school swag.
James Weldon Johnson – Phi Beta Sigma – Let us know if this sounds familiar: *clears throat* “Lift every voiiiice and siiiing…” Yup, that was written by this guy, James Weldon Johnson, composer of one of the most influential songs in Black America.
Jerry Rice – Phi Beta Sigma – Not only is the greatest running back ever a Sigma, the greatest wide receiver in NFL history is also rocking the blue and white. Jerry and Emmitt actually were inducted to the NFL Hall Of Fame in the same class, too.
Huey P. Newton – Phi Beta Sigma – The Alphas have MLK. Sigmas have Huey P., head of the Black Panther Party and a major radical force in American history. He was also a bada$$ too.
