Sheryl Lee Ralph pictured with Ambassador Mathieu at her April 7  performance of "Sometimes I Cry" at the American Cultural Centre. Full Size

Sheryl Lee Ralph Visits Namibia With Important HIV/AIDS Message

American singer, Hollywood film and television star Sheryl Lee Ralph - known for her portrayal of Dee in the hit series Moesha, for her creation of the role of Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of the musical “Dreamgirls,” and for roles in “Barbershop” and “To Sleep with Anger”- visited Namibia from April 6-10.

Ms. Ralph, who founded the Diva Foundation to empower women, raise HIV/AIDS awareness, and erase stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, performed her one-woman show “Sometimes I Cry” in Windhoek on April 8 and 9. The show, written and performed by Ms. Ralph, was inspired by the real life stories of women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Ms. Ralph becomes each character breathing life into them and their stories by exploring through word and song just how each woman copes with her new HIV/AIDS reality.

Ms. Ralph came to Windhoek after launching a new initiative, “A Sister’s Circle,” in Cape Town, South Africa from March 30th to April 6th. [read more]

Sheryl Lee Ralph with Penduka        co-founder, Martha Muulyua during an April 9 tour of the complex. Full Size

Sheryl Lee Ralph Visits Penduka

Sheryl Lee Ralph, American singer and Hollywood actress, in Namibia to perform her powerful and inspiring one-woman show, “Sometimes I Cry,” about women affected and infected by HIV/AIDS paid a visit to Penduka, a non-governmental women’s development organization on April 9, 2008.

Penduka, which means “Wake Up” in Oshiwambo and Otjihero is a project dedicated to encouraging and supporting women to take control of their lives. Fifty-four women are employed by Penduka where priority is given to the disabled and those who are suffering from TB or are HIV affected or infected.

Women produce items for sale and export including batik fabric, embroidery, bed linens, ceramics, glass beads made from recycled glass, and jewelry. [read more]