Taylor Williams might be turning heads on Love Island USA on Netflix, but his story goes far beyond the villa. The Oklahoma native is more than just a smooth talker with good looks that continue to swoon Olandria Carthen; he’s also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
That’s right—Taylor is repping Alpha Phi Alpha, the historic frat that counts Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Adrian Holmes, who just joined a few weeks ago, among its ranks.
Taylor joined the fraternity while attending Oklahoma State University, where he completed his undergraduate studies. He graduated in May 2023 and celebrated the moment with photos in his Alpha Phi Alpha letters, showing off that signature Black and Old Gold.
When he’s not on screen or in the lab, Williams is often in the barn, literally. Raised on his family’s 33-acre horse ranch, Williams grew up immersed in Black cowboy culture. His grandfather, Fred “the Lawman” Williams, made history as the first Black cowboy to start the Pony Express relay race in Oklahoma.
Now, Williams is carrying that legacy forward, riding horses, racing, and handling every bit of the daily care for their animals. That cowboy energy? It’s not for show—it’s his real life.
And fashion took notice. After posting his signature cowboy looks on Instagram, Williams was scouted to walk in Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Fashion Week show in Paris.
Pharrell Williams, who designed the cowboy-inspired collection, personally invited him after learning Williams was the real deal. “Pharrell wanted me because I’m a real cowboy,” Taylor said to his college media site. “He kept thanking me for coming to Paris. It was surreal.” From Oklahoma dirt roads to the Paris runway, Taylor is proof that authenticity always wins.
Whether he’s representing Alpha Phi Alpha, keeping traditions alive on horseback, or finding love on a hit reality TV show, Williams is carving a path that’s all his own.
Photo Credit: Instagram – @Taylor_Williams.3
