Actor joins notables in fraternity that include Clinton, Sharpton, Wonder

FROM STAFF AND
WIRE REPORTS

Academy Award nominee Terrance Howard became a Sigma man last month during an induction ceremony in Philadelphia. His induction comes less than a year after Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity inducted President Bill Clinton, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Al Roker from "Today,’’ jazz musician Ramsey Lewis and iconic entertainer Stevie Wonder as honorary members.

A private reception for Howard following the induction ceremony drew more than 150 guests, including members of the sister organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, to the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia.

"In our day and age where we’re inundated with this apathy that seems to have covered over most of mankind, and most of the world, we’re at a time when the love of the greater number has cooled off because we’ve forgotten how closely related we all are," said Howard after a formal ceremony on Feb. 19.

"To be a member of Phi Beta Sigma is to represent the community as a whole, because we are all formed from one man. Anytime you recognize the humanity of another person, you recognize the creation of God in that person — and you recognize your own responsibility towards that person, because to look out for another man is to look out for yourself."

Work includes film, Broadway

Howard, 40, broke onto the big screen in 1995’s "Mr. Holland’s Opus." The actor’s memorable performances as Quentin in the 1999 independent film, "The Best Man," earned him a NAACP Image Award, Independent Spirit Award nomination and a Chicago Film Critics Award nomination.

In 2008, he made his Broadway debut, playing Brick in an all-African-American production of Tennessee William’s "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Howard’s spiritual aspirations in regards to his duties as a Phi Beta Sigma were clearly evident when the thespian spoke.

"We should not have to be reminded of that responsibility towards humanity," noted Howard, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Djay in the 2005 hit movie "Hustle and Flow."

"To look after oneself seems to be the law of nature, but we have to recognize how far out we extend beyond just our own flesh and bones. We are all connected, so my commitment to community has always been demonstrated in my work, whether the characters had come from a broken place. I always tried to find the humanity in them and allow them to reach a better place."

Howard’s ideas, principles lauded

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. was founded on the campus of Howard University in January 1914.

"Mr. Howard represents the ideas and the principles of our organization which are, ‘Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service,’" said Darryl T. Williams, Phi Beta Sigma’s 24th Eastern Regional director.

"It’s always a means of giving back. That’s 99 percent of what we do is give back and be involved in our community, educate our youth and young college students. We’re hoping he’s able to use some of his star quality to bring more public acknowledgment to Phi Beta Sigma and the things we do."

This story was Special to the NNPA from the Philadelphia Tribune.