Get ready to be inspired by a true force for change! Sheryl Lee Ralph, an Emmy-winning actress and activist, has dedicated the last 35 years to promoting health awareness through her nonprofit, The DIVA Foundation. And let me tell you, her impact is nothing short of remarkable.
On November 1st, 2025, in the heart of Hollywood, Ralph hosted the 35th Annual DIVAS Simply Singing! Anniversary Gala. This prestigious event brought together some of the industry's biggest names, including Jennifer Hudson, Lisa Ann Walter, and Andra Day, to raise awareness about critical health issues, particularly HIV/AIDS. But here's where it gets controversial...
The DIVA Foundation's signature gala has a rich history spanning three and a half decades, making it the longest-running consecutive HIV/AIDS and Health Awareness benefit concert in the United States. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about raising funds; it's about using art and storytelling to educate and uplift communities.
Gilead Sciences, a longtime partner of The DIVA Foundation, understands the power of this approach. Shreya Jani, Senior Vice-President of Public Affairs at Gilead, shared, "We're thrilled to support Sheryl and the DIVA Foundation in celebrating this milestone. For over three decades, this gala has been a powerful force for raising health awareness and honoring those affected by HIV. Sheryl's ability to use the arts to educate and inspire is incredible, and it aligns perfectly with our mission to end the HIV epidemic."
Since its inception in 1990, The DIVA Foundation has raised over $5.5 million to deliver community-based programs targeting those most at risk for poor health outcomes, including people living with HIV/AIDS and those with comorbidities. And Ralph's dedication to this cause is deeply personal. In a Zoom interview, she shared, "I never imagined doing this for 35 years. I thought there would be a cure by now. I thought people's minds would have evolved to accept others who are different. Your health is your greatest wealth, and we need to prioritize it."
When it comes to hosting a gala in Hollywood, Ralph believes it's crucial to work with compassionate individuals. She states, "I always tell people to invite singers with good hearts. We don't have room for attitudes bigger than hairstyles."
And her activism doesn't just inspire individuals; it also encourages pivotal figures in Hollywood to get involved. "It's important for Hollywood to show up and advocate because of the influence and platform. You can't be afraid to use your platform for the greater good," she says.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2024. DIVAS Simply Singing! aims to lower this number by emphasizing advocacy through artistic expression. And Ralph's passion for this cause stems from her personal experience of losing most of her "Dreamgirls" creative cast to HIV/AIDS in the 1980s.
This year's milestone event featured incredible performances by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning artists, including Jenifer Lewis, Devine, Lalah Hathaway, and Andra Day. And the DIVA Foundation presented its DIVA Honors program, celebrating outstanding individuals like Debra Fraser-Howze, Dr. Maya Green, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., and Lula Washington, who embody the organization's mission of equity, wellness, and advocacy.
Dr. Maya Green, an HIV specialist and founder of Onyx Medical Wellness, is passionate about community healing and HIV care. She highlights the symbiotic relationship between healthcare and entertainment, stating, "The DIVA Foundation can move masses nationwide and globally to invest in our overlooked and underserved communities."
So, what do you think? Is art a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring change? Share your thoughts in the comments; let's spark a conversation about the role of entertainment in advocacy!
