NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is set to deliver the keynote address at Norfolk State University’s forthcoming commencement ceremony.

She will give the address to more than 600 students graduating from NSU on May 10 in William “Dick” Price Stadium.

Ralph made history as one of the few Black women to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Barbara Howard in ABC’s hit show Abbott Elementary. Her role as Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls earned her a Tony Award nomination. Other notable credits include Moesha, To Sleep with Anger, Sister Act 2, and Ray Donovan.

Moreover, 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 additionally a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, education and equity in the arts.

For more information on the NSU commencement, click here.