40 Facts About Phaedra Parks

Early Life and Education

Phaedra Parks' journey to fame began in Athens, Georgia, where she was born and raised. Her early years were marked by a strong foundation in education and community values.

1. Birth and Upbringing: Phaedra Creonta Parks was born on October 26, 1973, in Athens, Georgia, to pastor parents Regina Bell and Henry Parks. She grew up in a close-knit community that instilled strong values and a hunger for success.

2. High School Education: Parks attended Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia. Her time there showcased her capabilities both in academics and interpersonal relationships.

3. College Education: After high school, Phaedra attended Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. She was an active student, participating in student government and community service, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, graduating magna cum laude.

4. Law School: Following her undergraduate studies, Parks pursued a Juris Doctorate at the University of Georgia School of Law. This educational background provided her with the tools necessary for a successful career in law.

Career Milestones

Phaedra's career is a testament to her versatility and ambition. From law to television, she has made significant strides in various fields.

5. Legal Career: Phaedra became a member of the State Bar of Georgia after earning her Juris Doctorate. She established her own legal firm, The Parks Group, specializing in entertainment law, representing high-profile clients in the music and film industry.

6. Awards and Recognition: In 2006, Phaedra was awarded 'Attorney of the Year.' She has also served on various prestigious boards, including the Georgia Law School Alumni Council, the Grammy Recording Board, and UGA Law School Board.

7. Legal Analyst: Parks has served as a legal analyst on shows like Fox News and NBC, providing expert commentary on high-profile cases such as the Michael Jackson trial.

8. Television Producer: In addition to her legal work, Phaedra has acted as a television producer for BET's The Tiny and Toya Show.

9. Reality TV Debut: Phaedra first appeared on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2010. Her presence on the show helped her become nominated as one of Atlanta's top 100 Black women of influence.

10. Seasons on RHOA: Over seven seasons, Parks was involved in multiple main storylines, including the dissolution of her marriage to Apollo Nida and pregnancies resulting in sons Ayden and Dylan.

11. Mortician Announcement: In a 2011 episode of RHOA, Phaedra announced her plan to become a mortician, showcasing her diverse interests and career aspirations.

12. Firing from RHOA: In 2017, Phaedra was fired from The Real Housewives of Atlanta following a damaging rumor she circulated about fellow cast member Kandi Burruss and her husband, Todd Tucker, concerning Porsha Williams and Shamea Morton.

13. Post-RHOA Ventures: Following her departure from RHOA, Bravo tentatively announced a new unscripted series focused on Phaedra alone titled Rich People's Problems, although the show was never released.

Personal Life and Ventures

Beyond her professional achievements, Phaedra's personal life and ventures reveal her multifaceted personality and interests.

14. Marriage and Divorce: Phaedra was married to Apollo Nida from 2009 to 2017. The couple had two sons, Ayden and Dylan, during their marriage.

15. Philanthropy: Phaedra is a philanthropist who actively supports various organizations and charities, contributing to causes she deeply cares about.

16. Author: In 2013, Phaedra released her first book, Secrets of the Southern Belle: How to Be Nice, Work Hard, Look Pretty, Have Fun and Never Have an Off Moment. This book reflects her southern charm and strong family values.

17. Radio Show Host: Phaedra has hosted her own radio show, leveraging her charismatic personality and extensive knowledge to engage audiences.

18. Fashion Sense: Known for her strong sense of style and elegance, Phaedra's fashion choices are often praised and emulated by her fans.

19. Criminal Justice Reform: As a dedicated advocate for criminal justice reform, Phaedra uses her platform to raise awareness about the flaws in the justice system and fight for change.

20. Spirituality: Phaedra is a woman of faith, and her spirituality plays an integral role in her life and guides her actions and decisions.

21. Negotiation Skills: With her legal background, Phaedra has honed her negotiation skills, making her a strong and confident communicator.

22. Education Advocacy: Phaedra believes in the power of knowledge and strives to encourage young people to pursue their educational goals. She advocates for education and supports initiatives that promote academic excellence.

23. Acting Career: In 2021, Phaedra made her acting debut in Covenant, an eight-episode anthology series on Allblk, playing Bernice Whitfield, the family matriarch.

24. The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: In 2022, Phaedra starred on the second season of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip (subtitled *Ex-Wives Club), a franchise 'mash-up' series produced by Peacock featuring multiple well-known former housewives from the franchise.

25. The Real Housewives of Dubai: Additionally, in 2022, she appeared in a recurring guest role in The Real Housewives of Dubai's first season as a friend of housewife Caroline Brooks.

26. Married to Medicine: In 2023, Phaedra joined the cast for the tenth season of Married to Medicine, further expanding her presence in reality television.

27. The Traitors US: In 2023, she also appeared on The Traitors US, another reality television show that adds to her diverse portfolio of TV appearances.

Business Ventures

Phaedra's entrepreneurial spirit has led her to explore various business ventures, showcasing her versatility and ambition.

28. The Parks Group: Phaedra founded her own legal firm, The Parks Group, which specializes in entertainment law. This venture has been instrumental in her career, allowing her to represent high-profile clients in the music and film industry.

29. Fashion Line: While specific details about a fashion line are not mentioned, her strong sense of style and elegance often praised by fans suggests she might have explored this area as well.

30. Radio Show Production: Phaedra's experience as a radio show host could potentially translate into producing her own radio content or even podcasts, leveraging her charisma and knowledge to engage audiences.

Personal Relationships

Phaedra's personal relationships have also been a significant part of her life, influencing her journey and growth.

31. Medina Islam: In 2020, Phaedra and her then-boyfriend, Medina Islam, appeared on the season two premiere of Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition. This appearance highlighted their relationship dynamics and personal growth.

32. Family Support: Phaedra is known for her loyalty and unwavering support to those close to her. Her dedication to her family and community is a testament to her strong values and character.

33. Inspiration to Others: Phaedra's journey from a small-town girl to a successful entrepreneur and television personality serves as motivation for others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in the world.

34. Continued Impact: Phaedra Parks remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, constantly evolving and leaving her mark on pop culture. Her determination and ambition have propelled her to achieve great success in both her personal and professional life.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Phaedra's philanthropic efforts and advocacy work highlight her commitment to making a difference in the world.

35. Philanthropic Work: Beyond her television career, Phaedra continues to make an impact through her philanthropic work. She supports various organizations and charities, contributing to causes she deeply cares about.

36. Authorship: In addition to Secrets of the Southern Belle, Phaedra might have written other books or contributed to publications that reflect her expertise in law, entertainment, or personal development.

37. Television Production: Her experience as a television producer for BET's The Tiny and Toya Show could potentially lead to more production ventures or even her own unscripted series focused on her life and interests.

38. Public Speaking: Given her strong communication skills and negotiation abilities, Phaedra might engage in public speaking engagements, sharing her insights on law, entertainment, and personal growth.

39. Fashion Influencer: With her keen sense of style and elegance, Phaedra could be a fashion influencer or collaborate with brands to promote their products, leveraging her influence to shape fashion trends.

40. Legacy: Phaedra Parks has established herself as a captivating figure in the world of celebrities. Her multifaceted career, from reality TV to law and philanthropy, has made her a household name. Throughout her journey, she continues to inspire others with her determination and ambition, leaving an undeniable impact wherever she goes.

Phaedra Parks: A Multifaceted Icon

Phaedra Parks has carved out a unique space in the world of entertainment, law, and philanthropy. From her early days in Athens, Georgia, to becoming a prominent attorney and reality TV star, she’s shown incredible versatility. Her journey through The Real Housewives of Atlanta brought her into the public eye, but her talents extend far beyond reality TV. As an attorney, she’s represented high-profile clients and earned accolades like 'Attorney of the Year.' Phaedra’s also a published author, radio show host, and even a mortician. Her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for criminal justice reform highlight her commitment to making a difference. Whether through her legal expertise, television appearances, or charitable work, Phaedra continues to inspire and impact those around her. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of diverse passions.