you might live or you might die, she tells me with laughter in her voice.
I mean, is there anything in between?
I think about what it takes to carry on when everybodys telling you, You should quit.
On Sheryl: Jumpsuit by Dion Lee. Belt by Paloma Wool. Earrings by Alexis Bittar.
Theres not a whole lot of room for you she says.
If theres no room for you, you gotta build your own house.
Ralphs presence, onAbbottand in real life, is equal parts elder stateswoman and preacher.
On Sheryl: Jacket by Adidas. Top by Alo Yoga. Earrings by Versace.
Those experiences have greatly shaped her perspective, especially as she gets older.
Id seen all of the Black and Black-ish politicians, people who were doing it.
I was seeing Black people in seats of power, running things, making things happen.
On Sheryl: Full look by Balenciaga. Earrings by Jenny Bird.
Every time there seems to be some progress, the game changes againand thats no accident.
And youre not even winning, Ralph reminds me.
Youre just getting one step ahead.
Were in a world that continues to tell you that you are not worth it, she says.
And look at you: still glowing, still raising up a flag of magic.
Depending on the era you grew up in, Ralphs career might have a different meaning.
On Sheryl: Coat by Lapointe. Dress by Rosetta Getty. Sunglasses by Bottega Veneta. Earrings by Jenny Bird.
As the sitcom reaches a new generation thanks to streaming services, its message is just as resonant.
Black folks werent getting care.
They werent getting help.
And I said, We have to raise our voice.
Ralph believes in using her platform to convey messages of importance to the people, she says.
I think Im much more of a messenger than I am just an actor or an artist.
Sunglasses by Bottega Veneta.
Their family was born and bred to be sold.
And this has been a generational curse of sorts, to have your family ripped away from you.
I dont think anybody ever takes that into full consideration when they talk about the plight of Black women.
On Sheryl: Jacket and skirt by Adidas. Top by Alo Yoga. Shoes by Roger Vivier. Earrings by Versace.
Ralph is committed to breaking that cycle.
Right now that looks like prioritizing herself when shes not on set or working on various projects.
Im the laziest girl in town, she says.
Nothing but breathing deeply.
Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves isrest.
My children are part of my best legacy, she says.
You know, in some places in Africa, they dont ask you how you are.
They ask you, How are your children?
If youre open to it, they absolutely do.
So it says to me, Wow, theyre paying attention.
She knows that I know what I like, she says.
We lean into things like color because I love color.
you gotta [wear things] that are gonna make you feel comfortable, you know?
And she and I work together to make that happen.
Quinta Brunson knew of my journey, she says.
I wake up in the morning, Im still in my right mind.
Im still happy to be in show business, she says.
I still have ideas of movies I want to make.
I want to speak to Congress and talk to them about education.
Now, because of a show likeAbbott Elementary,theyre paying attention.
The reason most people stay the same is because change is difficult, she continues.
It takes a lot.
You climb, and the top of one mountain is the bottom of another.
Shes not at the end; shes just getting started.
If you are not living, you are dead, she says.
And while Im living, Im going to enjoy myself.
Take the plastic off the furniture.
Pull out the good plates.
If youve never used them, give them away to some folks who will.
Unpack all that good stuff.
Im telling you: People need to start living a good life.
