Black Greek-letter organizations have historically played a significant role in the lives of Black university students. They were created to uplift, educate, and support Black students who were the frequent targets of racial oppression and segregation during the time Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were incepted.
Black Greek life has influenced the lives of many well-known figures over the years. Legendary activists, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Alpha Phi Alpha), and writers, such as Toni Morrison (Alpha Kappa Alpha) and Maya Angelou (Alpha Kappa Alpha) were all proud members of a Black Greek organization.
There are also a ton of celebrity members — and that’s including honorary members Jada Pinkett Smith (Alpha Kappa Alpha), Alicia Keys (Alpha Kappa Alpha) and Brandy (Alpha Kappa Alpha).
The frat and soror celeb family is wide-reaching and includes several members you may not have guessed. Here are 9 celebrities who are members of a Black Greek organization.
Keshia Knight Pulliam
Best known for her role as Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Keshia Pulliam joined the Delta Sigma Theta sorority while attending Spelman College. She graduated with honors in 2001 with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and a concentration in film.
Phylicia Rashad
Best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Phylicia Rashad became a member of the Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, while attending Howard University. Rashad graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts from Howard University in 1970.
Sheryl Underwood
Comedian, actress, and television host, Sheryl Underwood is a lifetime member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, first joining in 1990. Underwood was elected as the 23rd International Grand Basileus (President) for Zeta Phi Beta in 2008. She also chartered a graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta in Inglewood, Ca.
Omari Hardwick
Best known for his role as James “Ghost” St. Patrick the protagonist of Starz’s Power, Omari Hardwick is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He attended the University of Georgia on a football scholarship. While at the university, he joined the Zeta Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 1996.
Wanda Sykes
Comedian, actor and writer, Wanda Sykes was initiated into the Gamma Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Hampton University. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Hampton University in 1986.
Terrence J
Actor and former host of 106 & Park, Terrence Jenkins joined the Mu Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity while attending North Carolina A&T State University. Jenkins graduated from the university in 2004 with a degree in mass communication.
Loretta Devine
Actress and singer, Loretta Devine was initiated into the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc at the University of Houston. Devine graduated from the University of Houston in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama.
Cedric The Entertainer
Actor, stand-up comedian, and game show host, Cedric Antonio Kyles (aka Cedric the Entertainer) is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Cedric pledged Kappa at Southeast Missouri State University in 1984.
Kym Whitley
Comedian and actress, Kym Whitley, is best known for her roles on TV sitcoms like Animal Practice, The Boondocks, and The Parkers. Whitley was initiated into the Alpha Beta chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.
