Sheryl Lee Ralph stands as a testament to the vibrant culture and resilient spirit of the Caribbean. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut to a Jamaican fashion designer mother and an American college professor father, Ralph’s life has been a rich tapestry woven with the threads of her Caribbean-American identity.

Raised between Mandeville, Jamaica, and Long Island, New York, Ralph’s early life was a blend of Jamaican warmth and the hustle of New York. Her Jamaican heritage played a pivotal role in shaping her worldview and artistic expression. As a young girl, she moved seamlessly between the laid-back rhythms of Mandeville and the fast-paced energy of New York, absorbing the best of both worlds.

Ralph’s journey into the arts began with a bang. At just 19, she became the youngest woman to graduate from Rutgers University, armed with a B.A. in English Literature and Theater Arts. Her time at Rutgers was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship awarded by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

Her Caribbean roots have always been a source of inspiration and strength throughout her illustrious career. From her breakout role as Deena in the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls,” which earned her a Tony nomination, to her memorable performances on television series like “Moesha,” Ralph has consistently brought a touch of Caribbean flair to her work.

Beyond her achievements on stage and screen, Ralph is a passionate advocate for issues close to her heart. She founded the DIVA Foundation in memory of friends she lost to AIDS, and the organization has become a beacon of hope and support in the fight against the disease. Her activism is fueled by the same Caribbean spirit of community and resilience that she inherited from her mother’s Jamaican heritage.

She has been a beacon of hope and a voice for change, particularly in her activism against HIV/AIDS. Her commitment to this cause is deeply personal and rooted in her experiences during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. As a rising star on Broadway, Ralph witnessed the devastating impact of the disease on the theater community, which lost many talented individuals to AIDS.

In response to this tragedy, Ralph founded the DIVA (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Aware) Foundation in 1990, which has since become a leading force in raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS. The foundation’s name itself reflects Ralph’s belief in the power of divine inspiration and victorious awareness to overcome adversity.

One of the DIVA Foundation’s flagship events is “Divas Simply Singing!”, an annual benefit concert that has earned the distinction of being the longest-running musical AIDS benefit in the United States. This event showcases Ralph’s belief in the power of art as activism, bringing together artists and audiences to support the fight against HIV/AIDS through music and performance. Her efforts have helped raise over $3 million, supporting organizations that provide essential services to the LGBTQ+ community, women, children, and people of color.

Her work has not gone unnoticed. Ralph has been honored for her three decades of activism, receiving accolades for her unwavering commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic. Her advocacy has been a source of inspiration for many, demonstrating the impact one individual can have in making a difference in the lives of others.

Sheryl Lee Ralph’s activism is a testament to her Caribbean heritage, which emphasizes community, resilience, and the power of collective action. She continues to raise her voice, not only to end the AIDS epidemic but also to champion the cause of health equity and social justice. Her legacy as an activist is as impactful as her legacy as an artist, and she remains a powerful example of how art and advocacy can intersect to create meaningful change.

Sheryl Lee Ralph’s life and work are a celebration of her Caribbean heritage. She embodies the essence of the Caribbean spirit—joyful, resilient, and endlessly creative. Her legacy is a bridge between cultures, a reminder that our roots run deep, and they give us the strength to reach for the stars.

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