LOS ANGELES – Emmy Award-winner and Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph, alongside The DIVA Foundation, proudly celebrated the 35th Anniversary of DIVAS Simply Singing! Raising Health Awareness. This unforgettable evening combined music, purpose, and empowerment, marking not only a significant milestone for the foundation but also serving as a heartfelt reunion for many of Ralph’s longtime friends and her “Dreamgirls” family.
Ralph originally originated her iconic role on Broadway during a difficult time in the 1980s when she lost many friends to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This personal loss inspired her to create The DIVA Foundation and establish DIVAS Simply Singing! as a lasting tribute to those affected by the crisis.
The event saw stars such as Loretta Devine, Jenifer Lewis, and James Pickens Jr. join Sheryl Lee Ralph on the red carpet to show their unwavering support for the cause. During an interview on the red carpet, Loretta Devine reflected on their decades-long bond, saying, “It started way back in Dreamgirls when Michael Bennett passed. It’s just been so incredible.”
Jenifer Lewis, who appeared in the original Dreamgirls workshop and has remained close to Ralph over the years, shared her pride: “I’m proud of Sheryl. I’m proud of myself, Loretta Devine, all of the divas over the years who have come to support this cause.”
James Pickens Jr. also spoke about the event’s impact, mentioning that his wife Gina Taylor-Pickens, a member of the original Dreamgirls ensemble, emphasized the power of music as a unifying force: “Music is a healing source of bringing people together. It bridges all kinds of divisions.”
The DIVA Foundation’s signature event raises important awareness and vital funds for programs dedicated to the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other health conditions that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Through her platform, Sheryl Lee Ralph continues to uplift, educate, and inspire by harnessing the power of art and advocacy.
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