Alpha Phi Alpha’s Tramell Tillman Becomes First Black Actor to Win Emmy for Supporting Role in a Drama

History was made at the Emmys this year and a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha from Jackson State University is at the center of it.

Tramell Tillman, a Spring 2006 initiate of the Delta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., has become the first Black actor ever to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Seth Milchick in Apple TV+’s acclaimed psychological thriller Severance.

This win is not only a major personal achievement for Tillman, it also marks a historic moment in the Emmys’ 77-year history. The supporting actor in a drama category had previously never been awarded to a Black performer until now.

A proud graduate of Jackson State University, Tillman’s talent, dedication, and presence have been a powerful force in a genre-defying series that explores identity making his win all the more meaningful.

Congratulations to Tramell Tillman on this groundbreaking and long-overdue recognition. The Yard is proud.