Divas Simply Singing with Sheryl Lee Ralph, the longest-running musical fundraiser in the fight against HIV/AIDS, celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Ralph co-hosted the two-hour telethon alongside KTLA weather reporter Kaj Goldberg and singer/actor Kalen Allen. The ladies honored Patti Labelle, Sharon Stone & Wendell James for their contributions, impact and support of Ralph and the D.I.V.A. Foundation.
According to the press release, the collaborative team of Infinite Scope and ToiBox Consulting presented this year’s gift bags which were filled with products and brands primarily from minority and/or female-owned businesses.
The annual event featured performances by Grammy award winners Lalah Hathaway, Anthony Hamilton, The Clark Sisters, Oleta Adams, Stephanie Mills, Gloria Gaynor, Thelma Houston, Jody Watley and Kenny Lattimore. Gospel recording artist, Jonathan McReynolds, Leslie Odom (“Hamilton”), MJ Rodriguez (Pose), Sheléa, Miss Lawrence and J’Nai Bridges were also a part of the all-star line-up. Of course, Divas wouldn’t be Divas without a performance by Ralph’s longtime friend/supporter Jenifer Lewis (Black-ish).
Earlier this year, the Hollywood actress spoke with ShineMyCrown about a wide range of topics, including her D.I.V.A Foundation:
“I created The D.I.V.A. Foundation as a living breathing memorial to the many friends that I lost to AIDS as an original company member of Dreamgirls on Broadway. I believed that if sex could be death for men, then women couldn’t be far behind,” she told us.
“People told me I was crazy, this is a gay disease. I always saw it as a human disease because no matter what your sexual preference may be there is a natural connection between between men and women. I may not be your lover, but I’m definitely your mother, and if you’re lucky, I’m your friend. We’ve been raising awareness for 30 years and Divas Simply Singing! is now the longest consecutive running AIDS benefit of its kind.”
Participating brands can be viewed at the online gift portal at www.giftsfitforadiva.com and showcases the products from the gift bag and to raise awareness to minority owned small businesses, many of which are struggling to survive the effects of COVID-19.
