Sheryl Lee Ralph & The DIVA Foundation: 35 Years of Power, Purpose, and Performance
Hollywood turned into a sanctuary of song, strength, and soul on November 1, 2025, as Emmy Award–winning powerhouse Sheryl Lee Ralph celebrated the 35th Anniversary of DIVAS Simply Singing! — a dazzling night where music met mission at the luxurious Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, California.
Presented by The DIVA Foundation, Ralph’s trailblazing nonprofit, and powered by Gilead Sciences, the gala was more than a red carpet moment — it was a movement. From Jennifer Hudson and Andra Day to Loretta Devine, Lalah Hathaway, and Jenifer Lewis, the stars showed up not just to perform, but to pour into a purpose: raising awareness for HIV/AIDS and championing health equity in communities that too often go unseen.
A Legacy That Still Hits Every Note
For thirty-five years, DIVAS Simply Singing! has stood as the longest-running HIV/AIDS and health awareness benefit concert in the United States — an unbroken legacy that began when fear, silence, and stigma were louder than truth. Sheryl Lee Ralph, fresh off her Dreamgirls triumph, refused to let her friends’ stories fade quietly. She turned her grief into a movement — one microphone, one message, one melody at a time.
“We have been singing for our lives, our health, and our community,” Ralph shared. “The DIVA Foundation has always stood for love in action. This night is about honoring the people and the purpose that keep that song alive.”
Honoring the Heart of Advocacy
The 35th Anniversary Gala was a masterclass in celebration and reverence, honoring those who continue to carry the torch of compassion and change.
- Rev. Debra Fraser-Howze received the Inaugural Visionary Award, presented by Deborah Telman of Gilead Sciences, for her decades of tireless advocacy in health equity and HIV/AIDS awareness.
- Iconic duo Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. were honored with the Legacy of Love Humanitarian Honor, presented by Ralph herself, celebrating their lifelong dedication to love, music, and giving back.
- The late Jewel Thais-Williams, a legend in community activism and founder of the historic Catch One nightclub, was remembered with the Ivy Ralph Legend of Distinction Award — her family accepting on her behalf in an emotional tribute.
- Dr. Maya Green, Chief Medical Officer of Onyx Medical Wellness, earned the Wellness Warrior Award for her pioneering leadership in public health.
- And Lula Washington, founder of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, was celebrated with the Artistic Activism Award, presented by Brandee Evans and Etienne Maurice, for transforming movement into advocacy.
The Stage Was the Message
In true DIVA fashion, the night’s performances transcended entertainment — they became testaments to resilience.
Mickey Guyton poured soul into “Lay It On Me,” while Lalah Hathaway stunned with “Mirror.” Jenifer Lewis turned self-love into a rallying cry with “Black Don’t Crack,” and Loretta Devine melted hearts with “Throw It Away.”
Comedian Gina Yashere brought laughter that healed, 803 Fresh gave raw energy with “Boots on the Ground,” and Andra Day closed the night with a breathtaking, communal rendition of “Rise Up” — a moment that felt like both an anthem and a prayer.
Then, in one of the evening’s most touching surprises, James and Gina Pickens not only performed a heartfelt duet but donated $10,000 to The DIVA Foundation’s new men’s health initiative focused on prostate care.
And when Sheryl Lee Ralph herself took the mic for “I Dream a Dream,” the entire room fell silent — a reminder that for her, every lyric has always been a lifeline.
Music as Medicine, Love as Legacy
Since its founding in 1990, The DIVA Foundation has stood as a beacon of light — fusing art and advocacy to dismantle stigma, promote health awareness, and uplift communities too often left behind. Through storytelling, song, and steadfast purpose, Ralph has created more than a foundation; she’s built a cultural institution that heals and inspires.
“Sheryl’s ability to use storytelling and the arts to educate and uplift communities is incredible,” shared Shreya Jani, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Gilead Sciences. “Her work resonates deeply with our mission to end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere.”
And after thirty-five years, it’s clear that DIVAS Simply Singing! is not just an event — it’s a heartbeat. A chorus of courage, compassion, and commitment echoing through generations.
✨ To learn more about The DIVA Foundation or to support their mission, visit www.diva.foundation
What's Your Reaction?
