Inaccurate "Famous" Fraternity Members

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
Kellie Shanygne Williams as of the MOESHA episode is a DELTA.

Thanks to Sister Sister episode, VESTA is a DELTA.

Again TV = Fiction = Make Believe = NOT true.

True, but I would be willing to bet that there was a writer/producer/director involved who was. I think that is pretty cool to give the shout-out to your org.

[TonyB06]

Originally posted by Senusret I
Thanks for all of the other info....it was enlightening. However, I have never heard that Lou Gossett was an Alpha before.

.....hmmmm, Fidler as a bruh. Who'd a thunk it?

Seriously, however, it doesn't surprise. Beyond his acting, LG's been out there, out front on a lot of causes. With that kind of leadership, you'd almost expect him to be an Alpha.

[GammaPhi1906]

Someone told me Andre 3000 was an bruh...is this true? They said he pledged at some school in GA. I think they were influenced by his "Ice Cold" comment in a song.

[Cain]

I had one question. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.? I just wanted to know if this is really true, and if so, when did he pledge?
Thanx
Cain
Phi Nu Pi

[Professor]

Originally posted by Cain
I had one question. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.? I just wanted to know if this is really true, and if so, when did he pledge?
Thanx
Cain
Phi Nu Pi

[Conqueror]

OK if you really want to know the answer to some of these questions, atleast do the basic research.

I think most people know by now that King was initiated into Alpha through our Boston's Sigma chapter while studying at Boston University. You could have really found that out by doing a simple internet search.

Excerpts from Skip Mason about Dubois:

When W.E.B. DuBois convened the Niagara Conference in 1905, the predecessor to the NAACP, there were several men who would be later inducted as Alphas including Alonzo Herndon and his son Norris Herndon(Sigma Chapter, 1921), who was then a teenager at time. Alonzo Herndon established Atlanta Life Insurance Company and became Atlanta's first black
millionaire. His wife was a teacher at Atlanta University with DuBois. They lived in a magnificent mansion which was the site of many Alpha functions for the brothers in Atlanta.

Callis recalled that Dr. DuBois had learned about the fraternity at the University of Michigan. He approved wiht his blessing and joined as an honorary. It almost likely that DuBois did not experienced the initiationas several honorary members had not.

In 1923, DuBois future son in law, poet Countee Cullen was initiated into Eta Chapter in New York along with nine other men. A year later, Cullen married DuBois's only daughter Yolande(a member of Delta Sigma Theta) in what Harlemites called the "wedding of the year." The marriage, however, dissolved
a year later.

After DuBois ended his stormy relationship with the NAACP and the crisis,
Brother Dr. John Hope(initiated into Eta Lambda Chapter around 1923) and
president of Morehouse and later Atlanta University invited DuBois to return
to Atlanta in 1934. DuBois affiliated with the Eta Lambda Chapter.

DuBois wrote an article for the Sphinx "Alpha Phi Alpha and Fisk University. Known to raise "hell" if necessary.

Now as far as Frederick Douglas, I agree that making him an honorary member was a bit much, however, I also heard that his family requested he be an honorary member.

When the 14th Annual Convention in 1921 decided to induct posthumously into Omega Chapter the Honorable Frederick Douglass, it treaded ground that had not been done before by any organization. No one had ever inducted a deceased person into its organization (and as far as this writer knows, no one has since). But if it was to be done (and it was), certainly the Alpha's would be the first to do it.

But I also heard that this was done as a request by the family of Douglas.

[mbatson@fuse.ne]

Hey this Debbie Allens biography from a website called the internet movie database(www.imdb.com):

If this information is correct, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.


Deborrah Kaye Allen
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Height
5' 2" (1.57 m)
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Mini biography
She graduated from Howard University and used her experiences from attending an historically Black College to inform her production and direction of the TV show "A Different World" (1987). She, her sister Phylicia Rashad, brother Tex and their mother spent over a year in Mexico when they were young. Her mother made the decision to go there to give her children a brief experience of not having to endure the chronic racism and segregation that was typical of Texas during Debbie's childhood. As a result of this experience, Debbie and her sister Phylicia are fluent in Spanish. Although her parents divorced, Debbie remained extremely close to her father, Arthur Allen, until his death. She and her sister had a production company called "D.A.D." which stood for "Doctor Allen's Daughters". Her Pulitzer-nominated poet mother is, however, the artistic and free spirit that has influenced and encouraged the remarkable creativity that so marks Allen as a performer. Her daughter, Vivian, was named for Debbie's mother, Vivian Ayers-Allen.


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IMDb mini-biography by
L. J. Allen-2
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Spouse
Norman Nixon (27 April 1984 - present) 2 children
Win Wilford (1975 - 1983) (divorced)

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Trivia
Sister of Phylicia Rashad.

Her husband, Norman Nixon, is a former NBA player with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.

Received an Honorary doctorate from The North Carolina School of the Arts, the same institution that denied her admittance to its dance department when she was sixteen years old; she was told then that she had the wrong type of body for dance.

Has an Honorary doctorate from her alma mater Howard University.

Won 1992 & 1995 Essence Awards.

Won the first Lena Horne Award for Career Achievement at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.

Has twice been nominated for Tony Awards: in 1980, as Best Actress (Featured Role -Musical) for a revival of "West Side Story," and in 1986, as Best Actress (Musical) for playing the title character in a revival of Bob Fosse's "Sweet Charity."

Received a Drama Desk Award in 1979.

She has two honorary doctorates, one from the North Carolina School of the Arts and one from her alma mater Howard University.

Her most notable role to date, that of "Lydia Grant" on the TV Series "Fame" (1982), earned her three Emmy Nominations and one Golden Globe.

Founder of the Debbie Allen Dance Institute

Choreographed five Academy Award shows

Her father passed away ten days after he accompanied her to the Emmy Awards Ceremony in which she won for Best Choreography for "Fame" (1982).

Authored children's books entitled, "Brothers of the Knight" and "Dancing in the Wings".

Children with Norman Nixon: Vivian (b. 1984) and Norm Jr (b. 1987). Adopted Stepson, Devaughn

She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Ex-sister-in-law of Victor Willis and Ahmad Rashad.


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Personal quotes
"There is just something about him, he is so talented and so gifted, so flamboyant and so charismatic. He doesn't deserve the harsh criticism he receives, Anyone who listens to his albums with their hearts and their ears will see his love, and his warmth. He is such a lovely young man and I love him for that. He gets negative publicity but people need to know the real person thats inside of him." - on working with rapper Malicious Jynx (2005)


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Browse biographies section by name

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

[mbatson@fuse.ne]

Below is the mini biography for Debbie Allen sister from the same website(www.imdb.com internet movie database:

Biography indicates she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Note: Does not indicate if she or her sister Debbie pledged undergrad, grad or if they are honorary..............


Phylicia Ayers-Allen
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Spouse
Ahmad Rashad (14 December 1985 - February 2001) (divorced) 1 child
Victor Willis (28 April 1978 - 1980) (divorced)
William Lancelot Bowles Jr. (1972 - 1975) (divorced) 1 child

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Trivia
Ahmad Rashad proposed to her on live television during the half-time of a football game.

Her father and first husband were both dentists.

Sister of Debbie Allen

Her ex-husband, Victor Willis, was a lead singer for the Village People.

Sits on the Board of Directors of Atlanta, GA's Alliance Theatre Company, the largest regional theatre in the Southeastern United States.

Taught drama at her alma mater of Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Appears in the video pre-show of the "Dinosaur" ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park.

Is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Wears a size 9 shoe.

Phylicia's "The Cosby Show" (1984) matriarch, Claire Huxtable, was voted "TV mom closest to your own mom in spirit" by an Opinion Research Corporation poll in April of 2004.

sister-in-law of Norman Nixon.

Nominated for a 2004 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a play for "A Raisin in the Sun" on Broadway.

Tied for the 2004 Drama Desk award for Best Actress in a play for "A Raisin in the Sun" with Viola Davis for "Intimate Apparel".

Became the first African-American actress to win the Best Actress (Play) Tony Award for her 2004 performance as Lena Younger in a revival of Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun". Several Black women have won in the Best Actress (Musical) category, including the late Virginia Capers, who won in 1973 for her portrayal of Lena in the musical adaptation of Hansberry's play called "Raisin."

She speaks Spanish fluently.


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Where are they now
(July 2004) In the east coast premiere of August Wilson's play "Gem of the Ocean" in Boston. Production is moving to Broadway in October 2004.


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You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the button on the left will take you through a new improved step-by-step process.



Browse biographies section by name

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

[mbatson@fuse.ne]

In reading one of post, there was question(?) about Vanessa Bell-Calloway if she is a AKA or note(?). This is what her biography says from same website as the previous two post I put on here for Debbie and Phylica Allen:

Vanessa Bell
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Spouse
Dr. Anthony Calloway (? - present) 2 daughters

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Trivia
She and husband Anthony are the parents of two daughters named Ashley and Alexandra.

Is an accomplished dancer trained by Alvin Ailey, George Faison, and Otis Sallid.

She and her husband host an annual Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless.

Her husband, Anthony Calloway is an anesthesiologist.

Attended Howard University in Washington, DC.

Is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

[mbatson@fuse.ne]

Here is the biography for Jasmine Guy. Actually indicates she is an honoray member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Here it is:

Biography for
Jasmine Guy

Height
5' 2" (1.57 m)
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Mini biography
Remembered mostly as Whitley Gilbert Wayne on the series "A Different World", Jasmine Guy has a variety of talents. Jasmine was born March 10, 1964 in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1990 Jasmine released a self-titled album with "A Different World" co-star, Cree Summer, helping with background vocals on a few songs. She married Terrence Duckette on August 22, 1998. On March 28, 1999, Jasmine gave birth to a baby girl, Imani. She continues a career in film, theatre, and music.


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IMDb mini-biography by
Matthew Ward <matthewdw@hotmail.com>
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Spouse
Terrence Duckette (22 August 1998 - present)

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Trivia
Named daughter Imani after the name was used on A Different World as the daughter of the Taylors (played by Dawnn Lewis and Glynn Turman).

Daughter, Imani, born 28 March 1999.

Her father is the Reverend William Guy, pastor of the historic Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA.

Although born in Boston, Massachusetts, Guy was raised in Atlanta, Georgia.

Her sister Monica was often her stand-in on the set of "A Different World".

Teaches dance to underprivileged children.

Was good friends with slain rapper Tupac Shakur and remains close friends with his mother, Afeni.

Became a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1981, at the age of seventeen.

Enjoyed chart and radio play in the 1990s for her dance single "Try Me".

She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Soroity, Inc.

Is a honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

Wrote a book called "Evolution of a Revolutionary", which is the biography of Afeni Shakur, the mother of actor/rapper Tupac Shakur.


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[CrimsonTide4]

A note about IMDB, any user can submit information to the site and it will be added to the actor's profile without any verification having been performed so while it says it on IMDB does not make it gospel unless that same information is provided at said org's national headquarters membership directory/database.

[Intense1920]

Originally posted by mbatson@fuse.ne
Here is the biography for Jasmine Guy. Actually indicates she is an honoray member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Here it is:

Biography for
Jasmine Guy

Height
5' 2" (1.57 m)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mini biography
Remembered mostly as Whitley Gilbert Wayne on the series "A Different World", Jasmine Guy has a variety of talents. Jasmine was born March 10, 1964 in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1990 Jasmine released a self-titled album with "A Different World" co-star, Cree Summer, helping with background vocals on a few songs. She married Terrence Duckette on August 22, 1998. On March 28, 1999, Jasmine gave birth to a baby girl, Imani. She continues a career in film, theatre, and music.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMDb mini-biography by
Matthew Ward <matthewdw@hotmail.com>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spouse
Terrence Duckette (22 August 1998 - present)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trivia
Named daughter Imani after the name was used on A Different World as the daughter of the Taylors (played by Dawnn Lewis and Glynn Turman).

Daughter, Imani, born 28 March 1999.

Her father is the Reverend William Guy, pastor of the historic Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA.

Although born in Boston, Massachusetts, Guy was raised in Atlanta, Georgia.

Her sister Monica was often her stand-in on the set of "A Different World".

Teaches dance to underprivileged children.

Was good friends with slain rapper Tupac Shakur and remains close friends with his mother, Afeni.

Became a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1981, at the age of seventeen.

Enjoyed chart and radio play in the 1990s for her dance single "Try Me".

She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Soroity, Inc.

Is a honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

Wrote a book called "Evolution of a Revolutionary", which is the biography of Afeni Shakur, the mother of actor/rapper Tupac Shakur.


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NOPE!

[PerroLoco]

Originally posted by Senusret I
Thanks for all of the other info....it was enlightening. However, I have never heard that Lou Gossett was an Alpha before.

The Blue & White Fam claim everybody and everything, lol.

[Intense1920]

Originally posted by PerroLoco
The Blue & White Fam claim everybody and everything, lol.

[abaici]

Originally posted by mbatson@fuse.ne
In reading one of post, there was question(?) about Vanessa Bell-Calloway if she is a AKA or note(?). This is what her biography says from same website as the previous two post I put on here for Debbie and Phylica Allen:

Vanessa Bell
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spouse
Dr. Anthony Calloway (? - present) 2 daughters

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trivia
She and husband Anthony are the parents of two daughters named Ashley and Alexandra.

Is an accomplished dancer trained by Alvin Ailey, George Faison, and Otis Sallid.

She and her husband host an annual Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless.

Her husband, Anthony Calloway is an anesthesiologist.

Attended Howard University in Washington, DC.

Is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Vanessa Bell was made at The Ohio State University in the late 70s.