Emmy Award-winning actress and advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph brought together some of the entertainment industry’s most inspiring voices for the “35th Annual DIVAS Simply Singing!” Raising Health Awareness Gala, held on Saturday, November 1st, at the elegant Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, California.
“DIVAS Simply Singing!” is The DIVA Foundation’s signature fundraising event that supports vital programs that promote health awareness.
Hosted and produced by Ralph and The DIVA Foundation, her trailblazing nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting, educating, and empowering through artistic activism, the milestone event honored three and a half decades of DIVAS Simply Singing!, a cultural touchstone that continues to use music and community to promote health awareness and celebrate resilience.
“We’re really excited to partner with Sheryl and the DIVA Foundation to celebrate the 35th anniversary of DIVAS Simply Singing,” states Shreya Jani, Senior Vice-President of Public Affairs at Gilead Sciences. “For over three decades, this gala has been a powerful platform for raising health awareness while honoring lives impacted by HIV. Sheryl’s ability to use storytelling and the arts to educate and uplift communities is incredible and resonates with Gilead’s mission to end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere.”
Now celebrating its 35th consecutive year, DIVAS Simply Singing! Raising Health Awareness is the longest-running HIV/AIDS and health awareness benefit concert in the United States. Founded in response to the early days of the AIDS crisis, Ralph’s vision has evolved into a movement that bridges art and advocacy, joy and justice.
The 2025 gala, made possible by the generous support of presenting sponsor Gilead Sciences, delivered an unforgettable evening filled with powerful performances, heartfelt tributes, and calls to action, reminding guests that music can entertain and heal.
(Mablean Ephriam and Jenifer Lewis at the 35th Anniversary Gala of DIVAS Simply Singing held at the Taglyan Complex on November 01, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty Images)
Honoring Voices of Vision, Courage, and Legacy
This year’s gala honored extraordinary leaders and transformative change-makers through The DIVA Honors—visionary individuals whose lives and work illuminate The DIVA Foundation’s enduring mission of service, empowerment, and compassion.
Rev. Debra Fraser-Howze proudly accepted the DIVA Honors Inaugural Visionary Award, presented by Deborah Telman, executive vice president of corporate affairs and general counsel at Gilead Sciences. This prestigious award underscores her groundbreaking advocacy and unwavering leadership in HIV/AIDS awareness and health equity.
Entertainment icons Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. proudly received The DIVA Honors Legacy of Love Humanitarian Honor, sponsored by AARP and presented by Sheryl Lee Ralph, in recognition of their decades-long dedication to music, love, and philanthropy.
Jewel Thais-Williams was posthumously honored with The DIVA Honors Ivy Ralph Legend of Distinction Award by Ivy Victoria Maurice, recognizing her as a formidable community activist, wellness pioneer, and founder of the historic Catch One nightclub. Her family accepted this well-deserved accolade on her behalf, celebrating her extraordinary legacy.
Dr. Maya Green, Chief Medical Officer of Onyx Medical Wellness (Chicago, IL), was honored with The DIVA Honors Wellness Warrior Award by William Stanford Davis and Dr. Angelica Geter for her significant contributions to public health, HIV care, and health justice.
Brandee Evans and Etienne Maurice honored Lula Washington, choreographer and founder of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, with The DIVA Honors Artistic Activism Award, celebrating her lifelong commitment to using the arts as a powerful platform for social change.
(Andra Day performs on stage at the 35th Anniversary Gala of DIVAS Simply Singing held at the Taglyan Complex on November 01, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty Images
A Night of Unforgettable Performances
In true DIVAS Simply Singing! fashion, the evening’s stage came alive with a breathtaking lineup of talent, laughter, and musical brilliance:
• Gina Yashere brought sharp wit and humor in her comedy set.
• Larry Owens delivered a stirring rendition of “Hallelujah Baby (I Don’t Know Where She Got It).”
• Rising artist 803 Fresh electrified the crowd with “Boots on the Ground.”
• Country powerhouse Mickey Guyton performed “Lay It On Me.”
• Lalah Hathaway captivated hearts with her soulful performance of “Mirror.”
• Jenifer Lewis brought energy and inspiration with “Black Don’t Crack.”
• Lisa Ann Walter led a heartfelt Call to Action for The DIVA Foundation, inspiring guests to continue the fight for awareness and access.
• Freda Payne graced the stage with a timeless performance of “Here’s to Life.”
• James and Gina Pickens shared a moving duet of “It Takes Two” and donated a $10,000 check to The DIVA Foundation to fund a men’s health initiative focused on prostate health.
• Host Sheryl Lee Ralph herself was stunned with a deeply emotional rendition of “I Dream a Dream.”
• India Shawn delivered a dazzling “Diamonds Are Forever / Gone medley.”
• The incomparable Loretta Devine enchanted the audience with “Throw It Away.”
• Grammy winner Andra Day closed the evening with her anthemic “Rise Up,” uniting the audience for a powerful sing-along finale.
“For thirty-five years, we have been singing for our lives, health, and community,” states Sheryl Lee Ralph, reflecting on the gala’s enduring impact.
“The DIVA Foundation has always stood for love in action. This night is about honoring the people and the purpose that keeps that song alive.”
