Sheryl Lee Ralph receives the Champion Award at GLSEN’s Rise Up LA Benefit
GLSEN, the leading education organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive K-12 schools and learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth, honored Emmy© Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary) with the Champion Award at its annual fundraising event, Rise Up LA, last month.
The event, hosted by comedian and former educator Joe Dombrowski, also featured a special appearance by Alison Brie.
Rise Up LA took place at NeueHouse Hollywood.
GLSEN presented Ralph with the Champion Award for her dedication to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Each year, the Champion Award is given to a role model and icon whose advocacy has inspired millions of parents, educators, and LGBTQ+ youth. Ralph’s leadership serves as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ youth facing harmful discrimination and legislation across the country now more than ever.
“Sheryl Lee Ralph’s lifelong dedication to advocacy, from telling the stories of Black women to breaking the silence, shame, and stigma around the HIV/AIDS epidemic through her DIVA Foundation, is a testament to her commitment to justice.”
Previous honorees include Annette Bening, Julia Roberts, Zendaya, Idina Menzel, Billy Porter, Jessica Biel, Octavia Spencer, Ellen Pompeo, Tim Cook, and Kerry Washington, among others.
Emmy© Award-winning actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph is recognized for her portrayal of “Barbara Howard” in ABC’s hit comedy Abbott Elementary, earning the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2022 and nominations for the show’s second and third seasons.
She is also celebrated for originating the role of “Deena Jones” in Broadway’s Dreamgirls, which earned her Tony and Drama Desk nominations. Ralph made her film debut at 20 in A Piece of the Action opposite Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier. Her other notable roles include Mistress, To Sleep with Anger, The Distinguished Gentleman, Sister Act 2, Moesha, and Ray Donovan.
“Sheryl Lee Ralph’s lifelong dedication to advocacy, from telling the stories of Black women to breaking the silence, shame, and stigma around the HIV/AIDS epidemic through her DIVA Foundation, is a testament to her commitment to justice. In a time when our community faces unprecedented attacks, her advocacy is a powerful reminder of the strength we draw from each other. We are honored to recognize her at Rise Up LA for championing the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth across the country,” said Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN.
