The 25 Most Famous Members of Alpha Phi Alpha—and Their Achievements

The "Ice Cold" Introduction

Since its founding in 1906 at Cornell University, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been a beacon of excellence, leadership, and social justice for African-American men. The first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for Black students, Alpha Phi Alpha has produced trailblazers in every sector of society.

This guide honors 25 of the most famous members of Alpha Phi Alpha, ranked by their fame and impact on the world. From civil rights icons to entertainment legends and business titans, these brothers exemplify the fraternity's motto: "First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All." It's excruciatingly hard to narrow this list down to just 25 because not all great men may be Alphas but all Alphas are great men but nonetheless... here we go!

1. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Civil Rights Icon, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Perhaps the most globally recognized Alpha, Dr. King joined the fraternity while studying at Boston University. He became the face of the Civil Rights Movement, leading nonviolent protests that changed the course of American history. His "I Have a Dream" speech and leadership in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, March on Washington, and Selma Voting Rights Campaign embody his legacy.

2. Thurgood Marshall
First African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Marshall made history as the first Black Supreme Court Justice, appointed in 1967. As an attorney, he successfully argued Brown v. Board of Education, ending legal segregation in public schools. A staunch advocate for equality, he transformed American jurisprudence.

3. W.E.B. Du Bois
Scholar, Civil Rights Pioneer, Co-founder of the NAACP
Though not initiated through traditional collegiate means, Du Bois was an honorary member of Alpha Phi Alpha. A towering intellect, he was the first African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard and helped launch the modern civil rights movement through his writings and activism.

4. Paul Robeson
Renaissance Man: Athlete, Singer, Actor, and Activist
An early 20th-century polymath, Robeson was a Columbia-trained lawyer, All-American football player, acclaimed singer, and vocal civil rights activist. He used his fame to speak against racism, fascism, and colonialism, paying a heavy price during the McCarthy era.

5. Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
Congressman and Minister
A bold and charismatic figure, Powell was the first African-American Congressman from New York. A fierce advocate for civil rights and social justice, he chaired the House Education and Labor Committee and helped pass key elements of President Johnson's "Great Society."

6. Jesse Owens
Olympic Champion, Symbol of Triumph Over Racism
Owens won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, directly challenging Hitler's myth of Aryan supremacy. His historic performance undercut Nazi propaganda and made him an enduring symbol of excellence and perseverance.

7. John H. Johnson
Founder of Ebony and Jet Magazines
John H. Johnson revolutionized African-American media by creating Ebony and Jet magazines, which celebrated Black life, culture, and excellence at a time when mainstream media excluded them. As a publishing mogul, he gave voice to a generation and built one of the most successful Black-owned businesses in history.

8. Dick Gregory
Comedian, Activist, Health Advocate
Gregory broke barriers in comedy as one of the first Black comedians to perform for white audiences. He later turned his fame into activism, becoming a prominent voice for civil rights, health, and holistic living.

9. Roland Martin
Journalist and Political Commentator
A modern voice in Black media, Roland Martin has been a fierce advocate for truth and accountability. Through his commentary and digital platforms, he continues to champion political engagement and cultural education.

10. Lionel Richie
Singer, Songwriter, Global Entertainer
A Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist, Richie helped define the sound of the 1980s. As a member of The Commodores and later a solo artist, his music has sold over 100 million records worldwide.

11. Robert F. Smith
Billionaire Businessman and Philanthropist
Founder of Vista Equity Partners, Smith is one of the richest African-Americans in history. He made headlines in 2019 when he pledged to pay off the student loan debt of the entire Morehouse College graduating class, demonstrating a commitment to education and Black empowerment.

12. Omari Hardwick
Actor and Producer
Best known for his role as James "Ghost" St. Patrick on Starz's Power, Hardwick is a celebrated actor who has used his platform to promote artistry, cultural pride, and community service.

13. Keenen Ivory Wayans
Director, Comedian, and Creator of "In Living Color"
Wayans broke new ground in comedy and television by launching In Living Color, which introduced talents like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez to the world. His innovative vision reshaped comedy and representation on TV.

14. Stuart Scott
ESPN Sportscaster and Cultural Trailblazer
Scott revolutionized sports journalism by bringing unapologetic Black vernacular and style to ESPN. His catchphrases and charisma helped diversify sports media and inspired a new generation of broadcasters.

15. Hill Harper
Actor and Author
Known for roles on CSI: NY and The Good Doctor, Harper is also a best-selling author and philanthropist, advocating for education, financial literacy, and youth empowerment through initiatives like the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation.

16. Wes Moore
Governor, Author, and Military Veteran
Wes Moore is the first Black Governor of Maryland and a former Army combat veteran and Rhodes Scholar. He gained national acclaim as the author of The Other Wes Moore and has led several nonprofit and philanthropic initiatives focused on education and opportunity.

17. Donny Hathaway
Soul Singer and Composer
A musical genius, Hathaway's timeless hits like "A Song for You" and "This Christmas" cemented his place in the pantheon of soul music. His emotive voice and compositions continue to influence artists across genres.

18. Duke Ellington
Legendary Jazz Composer and Bandleader
A pioneering figure in American music, Ellington's sophisticated compositions and performances reshaped jazz and popular music. With over 1,000 compositions, he remains one of the most important musical talents of the 20th century.

19. Judge Joe Brown
Television Judge and Legal Commentator
Brown gained national fame for his courtroom TV show and has been an advocate for criminal justice reform and youth mentorship, becoming a familiar face promoting legal awareness.

20. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Emmy Award-Winning Actor
Known for powerful roles in Watchmen, Candyman, and The Trial of the Chicago 7, Abdul-Mateen has quickly emerged as one of Hollywood's most dynamic and respected actors. His work blends artistic depth with cultural relevance.

21. Andrew Young
Civil Rights Leader, Mayor, and U.N. Ambassador
A close associate of Dr. King, Young was a key strategist during the Civil Rights Movement. He later became a U.S. Congressman, Mayor of Atlanta, and U.N. Ambassador, advancing both civil rights and international diplomacy.

22. Cornel West
Philosopher and Political Activist
An outspoken voice for justice, West is known for his thought-provoking works on race, democracy, and spirituality. His intellectual rigor and passion make him a modern prophet of truth and justice.

23. Will Packer
Film Producer
Packer has produced blockbuster hits like Girls Trip, Think Like a Man, and Ride Along, carving a space for Black excellence in Hollywood and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices.

24. Marc Morial
President of the National Urban League
Former Mayor of New Orleans and a major civil rights advocate, Morial continues to push for economic equity, education, and justice for African-Americans through the Urban League's national programs.

25. Eddie Robinson
Legendary Football Coach at Grambling State University
Robinson is one of the winningest coaches in college football history, amassing 408 victories. Over his 57-year career, he built a legacy not only of athletic success but of mentorship, producing hundreds of professional players and college graduates.

Honorable Mention: Maynard H. Jackson Jr.

Maynard Jackson made history as the first African American mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, and one of the most influential political figures in the American South. Elected in 1973 at just 35 years old, Jackson broke racial barriers and ushered in a new era of progressive leadership. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha, he was known for his unwavering commitment to civil rights, minority business development, and economic inclusion. Under his leadership, Atlanta’s massive airport expansion project included unprecedented minority participation, setting a national precedent. Jackson's legacy lives on not only in infrastructure and policy but in his pioneering role as a Black political trailblazer.

Conclusion: Most Notable Alpha Phi Alpha Brothers

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has been a cradle of Black excellence for over a century. Its members have left indelible marks across politics, entertainment, academia, and activism. As these 25 iconic brothers demonstrate, the Alpha legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and a commitment to uplifting communities. Whether on the world stage or behind the scenes, Alpha men continue to shape history and inspire future generations to do the same.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur and musical artist A.L.I.A.S.