Sheryl Lee Ralph: Using Her Platform for Good

Encouraging Artists to Speak Out

Sheryl Lee Ralph isn’t staying silent in the face of critics who think Hollywood actors should steer clear of politics. Instead, she’s encouraging other artists to speak out and use their platforms for good.

“If you have a platform, use it,” the “Abbott Elementary” star said in a recent interview. When asked about celebrities being criticized for voicing their opinions on politics, Ralph didn’t hold back. “How dare people try to tell artists—whether they’re painters, dancers, filmmakers, or authors—that they should just stick to what they do?”

A Passion for Politics

She continued, “I wish people would stop with this ignorant conversation that actors should just act, and writers should just write. I’m an American like every other voting American in this country.”

Using Her Voice to Highlight Important Stories

Ralph is currently using her voice to highlight National Geographic’s “The Real Red Tails,” now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. The one-hour special, narrated by Ralph, unravels the mystery surrounding the discovery of a World War II-era plane flown by Frank Moody, one of the Tuskegee Airmen—Black military pilots known as the “Red Tails.”

“People often think our armed services have always been diverse, but that wasn’t always the case,” Ralph explained. “There was a time when Black people, including the enslaved, weren’t allowed to fight for this country. When they finally got the chance, they were sent to battles deemed unwinnable, often without proper clothing or even shoes.”

The Importance of Telling These Stories

Ralph went on to share the significance of the Red Tails, who overcame immense challenges to defend the country during World War II. “These men flew higher than anyone ever expected, fighting for freedom. And now, when Frank Moody’s plane is found, some want to act like he doesn’t matter.”

Ralph emphasized the importance of telling these stories, particularly those of Black individuals and other people of color who made significant sacrifices. “It’s crucial that people understand the true sacrifice made by so many, especially Black people, and what it took to fight even for those who would fight against them.”

A Family Legacy of Politics

Ralph, who has always had a deep love for politics, comes from a family with strong political ties, including an uncle who was the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Jamaica and her godfather, PJ Patterson, who was Jamaica’s prime minister.

“I love politics so much I sleep with it,” Ralph joked, referring to her husband, Pennsylvania state Sen. Vincent Hughes. She recently appeared with Vice President Harris at a Biden campaign event to advocate for reproductive rights.

No Desire to Run for Office

When asked if she’d ever consider running for office herself, Ralph’s answer was swift and firm. “Oh, hell no. No, no, no, no, no,” she exclaimed. “I will run for nothing. I will use my platform the best I can to do what I do the way I do it.”

Ralph explained that while she admires those who serve in office, she has no desire to follow that path. “People who run for office have either great passion or great ego, or a combination of both, because when you choose to serve people, they often don’t say thank you. They don’t understand the sacrifices you make for them.”

And on a lighter note, Ralph added with a laugh, “Politicians don’t get paid a whole lot of money. I look at those bank accounts and think, ‘My God, I need lipstick. I need shoes. And they can’t buy them.’”

Conclusion

Sheryl Lee Ralph is using her platform to make a positive impact on the world. By sharing her passion for politics and her desire to use her voice to highlight important stories, she is inspiring others to do the same. Her commitment to using her platform for good is a shining example of the power of celebrity influence.

FAQs

Q: What is Sheryl Lee Ralph’s stance on celebrities speaking out on politics?

A: Sheryl Lee Ralph believes that celebrities should use their platforms to speak out on issues that matter to them and to use their voices to make a positive impact.

Q: What is the significance of the Red Tails story?

A: The Red Tails story is significant because it highlights the sacrifices made by Black individuals and other people of color who served in the military during World War II. It also sheds light on the history of racial segregation and discrimination in the military.

Q: Why does Sheryl Lee Ralph not want to run for office?

A: Sheryl Lee Ralph has no desire to run for office because she believes that she can make a greater impact by using her platform to advocate for causes she cares about. She also believes that politicians often face immense pressure and criticism, and she would rather focus on using her voice to make a positive difference in the world.