WHEREAS, Sheryl Lee Ralph is an award-winning actress, singer, author and activist; and
WHEREAS, Ralph began her on screen career in 1977 when she starred in the comedy film
A Piece of Action
. In 1981, Ralph solidified her presence in the performing arts world when she shined in her role as Deena Jones in the Broadway musical
Dreamgirls
; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of her acting career, Ralph has starred in many notable television series and movies, including
It’s a Living, Moesha, Instant Mom, The Mighty Quinn, The Distinguished Gentleman and Deterrence
; and
WHEREAS, On Monday, September 12, 2022, Ralph won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in
Abbott Elementary
; and
WHEREAS, In the show
Abbott Elementary,
Sheryl Lee Ralph plays kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard. The show is a mockumentary-style sitcom based on the teachers in an underfunded Philadelphia public school. The show’s creator, Quinta Brunson, also won a 2022 Emmy award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series; and
WHEREAS, This is Ralph’s first Emmy award win and her first time being nominated for an Emmy. She is only the second Black actress to win the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Ralph also has a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in
Dreamgirls
; and
WHEREAS, Ralph stole the show during her powerful and inspiring acceptance speech, when she burst into song, singing a verse from the song “Endangered Species,” and belting out that “I am a woman, I am an artist, and I know where my voice belongs”; and
WHEREAS, During her acceptance speech, Ralph reminded the crowd to never give up on their dreams no matter how long it takes for them to materialize. She also thanked her husband, Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes and their children for their support; and
WHEREAS, Sheryl Lee Ralph is a multifaceted talented inspiration-- showing persistence and perseverance in the perfect of her craft. Her historic career and Emmy win are deserving of recognition by this body
;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby congratulates Sheryl Lee Ralph on her historic 2022 Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in
Abbott Elementary
.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sheryl Lee Ralph as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End