In a poignant and inspiring speech, Sheryl Lee Ralph, the accomplished actress, and singer, took the audience through her surprising Emmy win for Best Supporting Actress and the transformative journey of her career. Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Ralph shared personal anecdotes, moments of doubt, and the challenges she faced in an industry that often tests one’s resilience. Her speech resonates not just as a celebration of her own accomplishments but as a powerful call to action for self-belief, particularly in these trying times of the pandemic, political division, and social turmoil.
The Emmy Moment:
September 12th, 2022 marked a milestone for Sheryl Lee Ralph as she stood on the Emmy stage, having won the prestigious award for her role as Mrs. Barbara Howard in the popular TV show, “Abbott Elementary.” The actress, known for her versatility, expressed shock and disbelief at the win, capturing the attention of the audience with her raw and authentic emotions.
Reflections on a Storied Career:
Ralph took the audience on a journey through her career, starting with her early days as a 19-year-old actress under the guidance of the legendary Sidney Poitier. Despite the initial highs, she faced a decade of relentless rejection, labeled with countless “nos.” Yet, Ralph persevered, filling her time with television roles until she landed a breakthrough on Broadway in the iconic musical “Dreamgirls” during the ’80s.
Challenges and Triumphs:
The actress candidly shared the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the ’60s, recalling her third-grade experience in a private school where she was often the only person of color. Through tears and adversity, Ralph’s immigrant Jamaican mother became her pillar of strength, teaching her the power of self-perception. “Do you see an N-word? Do you see a liar? Do you see a big-lip monkey? No! So dry your eyes,” her mother would say. This lesson in self-love and resilience became a guiding force in Ralph’s life.
The Power of Positive Thinking:
As Ralph encountered setbacks in Hollywood, she stressed the importance of positive thinking. A casting director’s insensitive comment about her being a “beautiful, talented Black girl” initially stung, but Ralph turned the narrative around. She recognized the potential within herself, giving herself permission to take up space in an industry that often undervalued her worth. This transformative perspective became a turning point in her career.
Taking Action and Creating Possibilities:
Ralph’s speech outlined a three-step approach to building self-belief: seeing oneself, thinking positively, and acting confidently. She shared a story of confronting a producer about the lack of representation in a TV series set in Atlanta. Her boldness led to a role that defied odds – Etienne Toussaint Bouvier, a Las Vegas showgirl turned Anthony’s wife in the final season of “Designing Women.” Ralph emphasized that acting on self-belief creates possibilities that wouldn’t exist otherwise.
Encouragement for Tough Times:
The actress acknowledged the challenging times we currently face – a pandemic, political division, and various forms of violence and unrest. She urged the audience to engage in a “checkup from the neck up,” emphasizing the importance of mental health. Ralph stressed that believing in oneself should not be toxic but should come from a place of confidence, helping individuals navigate the complexities of the world with a positive mindset.
The Greatest Relationship: You with Yourself:
In a heartwarming moment, Ralph shared her mother’s wisdom about the greatest relationship one can have – with oneself. She encouraged the audience to practice self-love, respect, encouragement, empowerment, and kindness. The actress emphasized that the faith in oneself can mend broken wings and enable individuals to soar to greater heights.
So, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s speech goes beyond the glitz and glamour of an Emmy win; it serves as a beacon of empowerment and resilience. Her journey from rejection and discrimination to a celebrated actress is a testament to the transformative power of self-belief. In a world facing myriad challenges, Ralph’s words inspire us to engage in meaningful self-reflection, embrace our worth, and believe that we deserve to soar. As she aptly put it, “That is what believing looks like. And don’t you ever, ever, ever give up on you.” Sheryl Lee Ralph’s story is a reminder that belief in oneself can be the catalyst for extraordinary achievements, and in embracing our uniqueness, we find the strength to overcome any obstacle in our path.