Black Arts and Culture

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Special Guest, At NSU Commencement, May 10

Norfolk State University will welcome Emmy-winning actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph as the special guest for its May 10, 2025 Commencement, celebrating over 600 graduates in a ceremony highlighting achievement, advocacy, and the arts.
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NJG Newswire
NSU NEWSROOM

Norfolk State University will hold its May Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 9 a.m. in William “Dick” Price Stadium where more than 600 graduates will receive their diplomas.

A highlight of the ceremony will be special guest, actress, producer, activist and author Sheryl Lee Ralph, whose career spans film, TV and was recently honoured with a Hollywood Walk of Fame in the TV category. She currently stars in ABC’s hit show Abbott Elementary, for which she earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. In winning the Emmy, Ralph made history as one of the few Black women to win in that category. In addition, she won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, while the show has won several awards.

Beyond entertainment, Ralph is a passionate health advocate and honored AIDS activist. She is the founder of the D.I.V.A. Foundation (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Aware), a nonprofit focused on health advocacy and HIV/AIDS awareness. She is also a fierce supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, education, and equity in the arts.

Wife to Senator Vincent Hughes of Pennsylvania and mother to Etienne and Ivy Maurice, Ralph continues to inspire through her voice, presence, and unwavering commitment to uplifting communities.