Comedian and radio personality J. Anthony Brown is one of the most famous Sigmas in media (Photo Credit: Regal Media Group/Tim Wells).
Top 10 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Members in Media Business, Arts
When one thinks of those cats reppin’ “Blue Phi,” one often thinks of iconic civil rights leaders like Hosea Williams, legendary professional athletes like Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith and even former President Bill Clinton (honorary).
But like the four other predominately Black social fraternities, members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity are making an indelible mark on the business of media and arts.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is also unique amongst the five Black fraternities (Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi and Iota Phi Theta) in that the Sigmas are the only fraternity that has legitimate sorority sisters; the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
So uniqueness in media should not come as a surprise for the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
Check out our list of Sigmas in the media and click the links for more information about each brother.
Jerome Solomon—You know you’re a great journalist when the two newspapers you’ve worked for are both in top 10 media markets. This University of Houston graduate and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity member has worked for the Boston Globe and is now a sports columnist for the Houston Chronicle. Solomon has also worked for ESPN radio and now has a popular sports podcast.
Flex Alexander—To say that Flex Alexander is multitalented would be an understatement. This Sigma has found fame as an actor, dancer, choreographer and reality TV star to name a few of his job titles. He began as a dancer for Salt N Pepa, but began landing acting roles in such TV shows as “Homeboys in Outer Space” and “Girlfriends” and movies like “Juice” and “Snakes on a Plane.” He also stars in a reality show with his wife, singer Shanice.
Bobby Jones—This member of Phi Beta Sigma is an institution in the world of gospel music and in the history of Black Entertainment Television (BET). Jones has influenced decades of gospel musicians and fans and continues to do so with his radio show as well as events that he hosts like the Musical Soul Food Festival. He is currently celebrating the farewell season of “Bobby Jones Gospel.”
Malik Yoba—This honorary Sigma has been holding it down in Hollywood for over two decades. He rose to fame on the hit Fox drama “New York Undercover” before beginning a successful career in film. He shined in roles in films like “Why Did I Get Married?” and “Why Did I Get Married Too?” He returned to TV stardom in season one of “Empire” on Fox.
Al Roker—This honorary member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity is one of the most well known people on television. Roker is a weatherman and host for NBC’s “Today Show.” He is known as America’s most trusted weatherman. He is also a bestselling author with nine books on his resume.
Ellis Marsalis—Being from New Orleans with a surname like Marsalis is almost guaranteed to mean that people are talking about a jazz musician. Performing since the 1940s as a jazz pianist, Ellis Marsalis gained more notoriety as the father of Wynton and Branford Marsalis. His latest album “A New Orleans Christmas Carol” is now out and he also recorded an album (“Joe Cool’s Blues”) with his son Wynton in 1994.
Hines Ward—Despite being great at his gig as a football analyst for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” this famous member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity will always be known as one of the most physical wide receivers in NFL history. The former college quarterback also won the 12th season of “Dancing with the Stars.” Ward has also worked as a correspondent for NFL Network’s “Rich Eisen Podcast.”
Al Sharpton—Rev. Al has been called many things like controversial, race-baiter and agitator. But he should also be called an honorary member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and proud member of the media. Sharpton is the host of “PoliticsNation” on MSNBC and is also the radio host of “Keepin it Real with Reverend Al Sharpton,” which is syndicated nationally.
Blair Underwood—This honorary Sigma has been blazing the small and big screen since the 1980s on shows like “L.A. Law,” “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World.” The talented actor has also found steady work on the big screen in movies like “Set it Off,” “Something New” and “Madea’s Family Reunion.”
J. Anthony Brown—This member of Phi Beta Sigma has to be one of the funniest cats in comedy. Thanks to the “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” this Sigma reaches millions of his fans every morning. Brown also owns a comedy club called The J. Spot Comedy Club, has acted in films like “How to Be a Player” and “Think Like a Man” and has also written for some of the best shows on television like “Me and the Boys” and “The Arsenio Hall Show.”
