September 3rd 2023.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Emmy Award winner and Board President of the DIVA Foundation, recently announced that her foundation is expanding its reach. Founded in 1990, the DIVA Foundation was created to raise awareness, reduce stigmas, and help prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. This new multi-layered program will specifically target marginalized communities by addressing five major issues: health awareness, women and girls, LGBTQ+, social justice and racial equity, and food and housing insecurity.
To spearhead the rebranding, tech executive Norman Lee has been appointed Executive Director. Lee, who has been a volunteer for the foundation for 18 years, has expressed his enthusiasm for the position: "I’m excited to take on this new challenge and partner with Sheryl Lee Ralph and the organization’s Board of Directors to accomplish our mission of daring to care."
When the foundation was first established, Ralph faced a lot of opposition. People told her it was a "waste of time" to assist people living with HIV and AIDS. But her perseverance has paid off. Since its inception, the DIVA Foundation has raised over $3 million, and has helped to support countless organizations, such as Project Angel Food and The Black AIDS Institute.
The DIVA Foundation will also be hosting its 33rd annual event, “DIVAS Simply Singing! Raising Health Awareness.” This HIV/AIDS and health awareness benefit concert has featured some of the biggest vocal powerhouses, such as Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, and Patti Labelle, as well as Hollywood legends like Whoopi Goldberg, Alfre Woodard, and Loretta Devine. It will be filmed on November 19, 2023, and will air later on ABC and HULU.
This year, the DIVA Foundation also teamed up with SONIC Drive-In to donate $1.5 million to support public schools for Teacher Appreciation Week. With this initiative, the DIVA Foundation continues to work towards its mission of providing support for those in need.
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