Jamaican-American actress and advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Sagicor Foundation Scholars Luncheon on May 21, offering a message of resilience, pride, and national excellence to a room filled with scholarship recipients and education stakeholders.
The event, which gathered past and present scholarship recipients, was marked by heartfelt messages, a surprise donation, and a collective celebration of Jamaican excellence.
In a stirring keynote address, Ralph delivered more than just words — she shared wisdom. “Don’t be afraid of pressure — diamonds are made under pressure,” she told the young scholars, urging them to embrace challenges with courage. She also reminded them of Jamaica’s far-reaching influence: “Wherever I go in the world, I see Jamaicans excelling — even if you don’t know their names.” Her parting charge was as grounding as it was galvanizing: “Show up. Be present. Own your Jamaican excellence.”
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The afternoon took a deeply meaningful turn with the presentation of a $600,000 donation to Chantilly Primary School, an increase from the initial $540,000, thanks to additional support from the Sagicor Foundation. Ralph presented the check in memory of her late mother, Ivy Ralph OD — a legendary Jamaican couturier whose work recently made international headlines. Just this month, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York officially added Ivy Ralph’s iconic Kareeba suit to its collection, a proud milestone announced by her granddaughter, Ivy “Coco” Maurice, in an emotional Instagram post.
This donation is set to make a lasting impact, helping more students access critical educational grants and opportunities. For Sagicor Foundation and the scholars in the room, the luncheon wasn’t just a meal — it was a reaffirmation of commitment to Jamaica’s future.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, who received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in April, continues to champion Jamaican culture and talent on the global stage. Up next, she’ll take part in ‘A Conversation’ with Jamaica’s Poet Laureate, Kwame Dawes, at the 2025 Calabash International Literary Festival in Treasure Beach this Sunday — another chapter in her journey of empowerment through words.
From Ivy Ralph’s legacy to the ambitions of a new generation, the luncheon was a vivid reminder that Jamaican excellence is not only something to celebrate — it’s something to nurture.
