Sheryl Lee Ralph

• Interviews
• October 6th

Sheryl Lee Ralph is an accomplished actress, singer, producer, director, but most of all she’s a woman with a voice that’s determined to make a difference in helping finding a cure for one of the deadliest diseases of our time, HIV/AIDS. Sheryl’s tireless efforts to raise money to fight the war against HIV/AIDS are to be applauded and admired! She has a wonderful event “Divas Simply Singing”, coming this Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 7:30 pm that you don’t want to miss! For more information go to www.divassimplysinging.com

What made you become such an outspoken activist for HIV/AIDS?

I think most folks have forgotten that it’s still a disease that is killing millions of people every year. When HIV/AIDS first came out many of my friends died with a negative stigma attached to them. I refused to let my friends pass away like they were bad people, because they weren’t. I always felt that if we had cared more in the beginning and weren’t focused on the fact that it was supposedly a “gay disease” we wouldn’t be in the position we’re in now. Every year the divas perform and lend their talents, we represent the fastest growing group that is affected and infected by HIV/AIDS and that would be women of color, especially black women.

Where did the idea for “Divas Simply Singing” come from?

Honestly it all came to me in a dream. I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished because we have the longest running consecutive musical AIDS benefit in the United States. We are the only benefit that has never missed one year. I am really excited about this year too as I have been about all the others. This is our 19^th year and we have some amazing performers that I know are going to give moving performances. This year we have divas like; Yolanda Adams, Faith Evans, Tamia, Kelly Price, Brenda Russell, Loretta Devine, Frenchie Davis, Jessica Reedy, Jennifer Lewis, Yo Yo and many more. It is truly going to be a spectacular night!

What do you attribute the success to?

I attribute the success to my tenacity, not taking no for an answer and my dedication and commitment to my friends’ lives.

How has the benefit concert evolved up to this current year?

When we first started we were just “divas” and we were using that moniker to get people’s attention. Now we’re a movement. “DIVAS” stands for “Divinely, Inspired and Victoriously Anointed.” Putting on this benefit concert every year is never easy. Believe it or not, it’s not easy getting people to volunteer and come out to perform for free. So I cast a wide net. I continue to talk about the concert every chance I get. I thank God it has grown to the point where people want to be involved. We do the best we can each year.

Does it ever get overwhelming?

Oh yes there are many times that it doesn’t look so promising.  Some years I thought I would have to do it from the steps of my house. But more than any year, this was the most challenging for me. I found myself wondering, “should I stop?” One day I was talking to a minister friend of mine and he said all the folks that are telling you to stop are the ones who can’t do what you do. There are days when I wish I had more help from corporations and companies that throw money at other things that have no depth or meaning, but God knows what I’m doing and He always blesses my efforts.

How important is your relationship with God when taking on a task of this magnitude?

It’s what keeps me going. I am far from Christ, but Christ was a rebel because He dared to tell people do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  It was Christ who said, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”

Have you received any negative feedback for your efforts on HIV/AIDS research and awareness?

Oh yes! Someone videotaped hate mail and posted it to YouTube last year. They said I was a stupid woman for caring for those f******. Deep down I know they don’t mean it. They are just misguided.

Where do you see this going in another 5 years?

I really hope people will start having open conversations about HIV/AIDS prevention and openly talking about sex. It’s not just about saving the lives of adults, but these days it’s about saving the lives of our children too. So far we’ve raised over 5 million dollars and we’ve created a movement and that’s priceless! I absolutely believe one day we will find a cure and I want to do everything in my power to make sure that we do!