There aren’t many organizations, sects or units that can say they have been around for 100 years but the Phi Beta Sigma has managed to stand the test of time.
Established a century ago to this very day on January 9, 1914 at Howard University, its founding African-American members made it a point to serve the community with hard work, dedication all the while instilling the power of education in their teachings.
When real life situations kick in and the college days are past, the colors on the sleeve get exchanged for pinstripe suits and in some cases, professional sports jerseys. But make no mistake, every member of the storied frat is proud of its lineage and their contributions to support their existence.
So with that, we present 15 famous members of the Sigma fraternity. Best believe there are a few surprises in here.
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Photo: WENN
Photo: Twitter
The Rev. Al Sharpton
The good-intentioned reverend has been the unofficial spokesman for Black people since the prehistoric age so the blue-and-white frat inducted the Civil Rights leader into their conclave in 2009.
George Washington Carver – Simpson College
Next time you make use of any peanut-related products, thank your lucky stars the world was blessed with a George Washington Carver.
photo: WENN
Terrence Howard
At just 44-years old, Howard has appeared in countless films such as Iron Man, Ray and The Best Man. He was inducted as an honorary member into the frat in 2010.
Emmitt J. Smith – University Of Florida
The former Dallas Cowboy (and Arizona Cardinal) is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. ‘Nuff said.
Huey P. Newton – Merritt College
The co-founder of the Black Panther Party earned a Ph.D and was active in sparking revolutions in Oakland before he was gunned down by the Black Guerilla Family in 1989.
Photo: screen cap
Jerry Rice – Mississippi Valley State
With three Super Bowl rings in his trophy case and the record-holder receptions, touchdown receptions, and yards in the NFL, it is largely believed that Jerry Rice is the greatest wide receiver of all-time. Any challengers?
Joey Porter – Colorado State
As one of the most revered linebackers in his era, Porter won a Super Bowl ring with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006.
Bobby Jones – Tennessee State University
The Grammy Award–winning singer currently has BET’s longest-running show with Bobby Jones Gospel.
Kurt Carr – University Of Connecticut
This gospel singer/songwriter has released eight albums since 1988 and racked up various accolades including performing at the White House.
Hines Ward – University Of Georgia
As the MVP of Super Bowl XL, Ward became the Pittsburgh Steelers all-time leader in receptions and touchdown receptions.
Frank Trigg – University Of Oklahoma
With nearly 25 years of mixed-martial arts experience, Trigg as earned wins in UFC, TNA Wrestling and the Pride Fighting Championships.
J. Anthony Brown
The longtime comedian has appeared on nearly every Black sitcom imaginable and still remains active behind-the-scenes as a writer (Think Like a Man).
Harold Washington – Roosevelt College
The World War II veteran was elected as Chicago’s first Black mayor in 1983. A position he held until his death in 1987.
photo: WENN
Al Roker – SUNY Oswego
Since 1974, Roker has been greeting audiences with news bits to start their day. That’s more than a billion cups of coffee down the hatch.
James Weldon Johnson – Clark Atlanta University
As the creator of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” better known as the “Black National Anthem,” Johnson was also the first African-American professor at NYU.
photo: JLN Photography/WENN.com
Bill Clinton
In 2009, the country’s 42nd president was honorarily inducted into Phi Beta Sigma, making him the first president to join a historically Black fraternity. Score one for the Greeks.
