The DIVA Foundation
| Formation | 1990 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Sheryl Lee Ralph |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Executive Director | Norman Lee |
| Website | diva.foundation |
Formerly called |
|
The DIVA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1990 by actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph. The foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, reducing stigma, and promoting health equity through the arts and community engagement.[1][2]
History
Sheryl Lee Ralph established The DIVA Foundation (earlier stylized as "The D.I.V.A. Foundation") in 1990 as a response to the AIDS epidemic, after losing many friends and colleagues during her time in Dreamgirls on Broadway.[1][2] She created the foundation as a platform to use her artistry and visibility to drive public health awareness and compassion.[1]
Name and mission
The acronym D.I.V.A. stands for Divinely Inspired, Victoriously Aware.[3] The foundation leverages what Ralph describes as "artistic activism" to combat stigma and encourage health advocacy using music and performance as tools of healing.[2] Its mission has expanded to include addressing health inequity and promoting community-based wellness programs.[4]
Programs and initiatives
DIVAS Simply Singing!
The foundation's signature event is DIVAS Simply Singing! Raising Health Awareness, an annual benefit concert first held in 1990. It is the longest-running consecutive musical AIDS and health awareness benefit in the United States.[3][5]
Hosted and executive produced by Ralph, the event has featured performers such as Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo, Faith Evans, Lalah Hathaway, Jennifer Holliday, Brandy, Eartha Kitt, and many others.[6]
Other outreach
The foundation has supported groups such as the Black AIDS Institute, Women Alive Coalition, and Project Angel Food, funding programs such as meal delivery and community HIV testing.[7][8]
Impact and recognition
As of 2023, the event marked its 33rd year, affirming its place as a continuous platform for HIV/AIDS awareness.[9]
The foundation has raised more than US$3 million for community health programs, with its official site reporting over US$5.5 million in cumulative support since its inception.[10][5]
Ralph has described the foundation as "a living, breathing memorial" to those lost during the AIDS crisis, using "one song at a time" to preserve their memory.[1]
See also
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Owens, Carly (December 1, 2023). "Sheryl Lee Ralph talks decades of work honoring AIDS victims through the arts". ABC News. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "A Diva Makes a Difference". Ebony. December 1, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "DIVAS Simply Singing! On the Red Carpet". ABC7. June 24, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ↑ "About Us". The D.I.V.A. Foundation. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 McRady, Rachel (October 22, 2024). "Sheryl Lee Ralph and the DIVA Foundation Announce Date for DIVAS Simply Singing!". People. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Past Performers". DIVAS Simply Singing!. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Sheryl Lee Ralph on the Inspiration Behind Her AIDS Activism". People. March 8, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ↑ "DIVAS Simply Singing Held at Taglyan". Taglyan Complex. December 5, 2019. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ↑ "DIVAS Simply Singing Marks 33rd Year". ABC7 New York. December 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Impact". The D.I.V.A. Foundation. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
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