Sheryl Lee Ralph has proved that the Television Academy is hot for teacher and making history in the process, with a win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of straight-laced, veteran kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard on ABC’s hit series “Abbott Elementary.”
Ralph is only the second Black woman in history to take home the top prize in the category, some 35 years since Jackée Harry was first victorious for her performance as Sandra Clark in the second season of “227.”
“To anyone who has ever, ever had a dream, and thought your dream wasn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t come true, I am here to tell you this is what believing looks like,” Ralph said during her acceptance speech.