Sheryl Lee Ralph celebrates 35 years of ‘DIVAS Simply Singing! Raising Health Awareness’

LOS ANGELES — Emmy Award-winner and “Abbott Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph and The DIVA Foundation proudly celebrated the 35th Anniversary of “DIVAS Simply Singing! Raising Health Awareness,” an unforgettable evening of music, purpose and empowerment.

The event was also a reunion for many of Ralph’s longtime friends and “Dreamgirls” family. Ralph first originated her iconic role on Broadway, at a time when she lost many friends to the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, a loss that inspired her to create The DIVA Foundation and “DIVAS Simply Singing!” as a lasting tribute.

Stars including Loretta Devine, Jenifer Lewis and James Pickens Jr. joined Sheryl Lee Ralph on the red carpet to show their support for the cause.

On the Red Carpet caught up with Loretta Devine where she 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 for decades. She shared, “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. shared that his wife Gina Taylor-Pickens, a member of the original “Dreamgirls” ensemble, reflected on the power of music at this event, saying, “Music is a healing source of bringing people together. It bridges all kinds of divisions.”

The DIVA Foundation’s signature event raises awareness and vital funds for programs that promote the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other health conditions disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.

Sheryl Lee Ralph continues to use her platform to uplift, educate and inspire through the power of art and advocacy.

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