Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph to keynote Jackson State scholarship luncheon

Actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph will deliver the keynote when Jackson State University hosts its annual Mary E. Peoples Scholarship Luncheon Thursday at the Jackson Convention Complex in downtown Jackson.

Ralph, who stars in ABC's popular sitcom Abbott Elementary, became the first Black woman in 35 years to win an Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series. Her acceptance speech was the highlight of the Sept. 12 Emmy broadcast and brought the star-studded crowd to its feet.

The 11 a.m. event at Jackson Convention Complex is sold out but fundraising continues. Visit Mary E. Peoples Scholarship Luncheon for more information.

Ralph is also a Tony Award nominee, an NAACP Image Award nominee, Independent Spirit Award-winner and now Emmy award winner with an accomplished career for more than three decades.

"Mrs. Ralph's speech will bring an inspirational message dedicated to young women," said Yolanda Owens, interim vice president for institutional advancement.

The Mary E. Peoples Scholarship Luncheon is a fundraiser hosted by the Division of Institutional Advancement at Jackson State University. The scholarship provides supplemental financial assistance to students in need.

The luncheon is named after a longtime educator and community leader, Mary E. Peoples, the wife of President Emeritus Dr. John A. Peoples Jr., the sixth president of Jackson State University.

"We have exceeded last year's goal of $150,000," Owens said.

This year’s goal is also to raise $150,000.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: JSU’s annual Scholarship luncheon: Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph to speak