'Abbott Elementary' Sheryl Lee Ralph Receives Order Of Jamaica Honor

This year has been a remarkable one for Sheryl Lee Ralph. The "Abbot Elementary" actress was recently awarded the 'Order Of Jamaica' in a grand ceremony.

Ralph shared the exciting news with her fans on Instagram. Although born and raised in the USA, the iconic actress is of Jamaican descent. 

The honorary award is usually given to any Jamaican citizen of outstanding distinction or to any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica, who is then bestowed with the title of an Honorary member. 

The "Moesha" actress, while in a triumphant mood, posted a picture of herself on Instagram receiving the emblem that represented the "Order Of Jamaica Honor."

Ralph donned a one-sided strapless bright yellow dress while the other shoulder of the dress had a big bow attached to it, giving the outfit a sophisticated look. In the picture, the talented actress smiled brightly as she was about to be honored by one of the Jamaican officials who wore a dark blue fitted suit.

The "Instant Mom" star completed her looks by wearing green and gold dangling earrings while she rocked a sleek ponytail hairstyle. 

Captioning the post, she proudly wrote, "Well, it is now official! I am The Honorable Sheryl Lee Ralph OJ (order of Jamaica) Warrior Woman! 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲," and adding, "#ThisisWhatBelievingLooksLike."

In a subsequent post, she shared an Instagram Reel, which consisted of a montage of her experience at the award ceremony.

Attached to the video was a song called " Blessin Me," sung by "Avery*Sunshine." The lyrics of the song certainly matched the energy of the short clip.

The Reel displayed a happy Ralph getting her makeup done, it also showed the star receiving her recognition and later posing for the camera as she took pictures with other dignitaries in attendance.

Expressing her gratitude in the caption, she wrote, "Thank you doesn't even seem enough to say as I celebrate this National Hero's Day in Jamaica as one of only 10 women awarded The Order of Jamaica. Thank you🇯🇲."

"The Mighty Queen" actress would surely be rounding up this year with a big grin on her face as she previously won an Emmy Award in September for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Per The Blast, the actress, who also happens to be a singer, rendered a moving song after receiving the award. Ralph made groundbreaking history with her Emmy win by succeeding after Jackee Harry, who won in 1987 for "227", thereby becoming the second black woman to bag such an award in that category.

The 65-year-old star who got nominated for her role as "Barbara Howard" in "Abbot Elementary" and won the award went on to deliver an emotional acceptance speech. 

She began by singing a verse from Diane Reeves' 90's song "Endangered species." She sang, "I am an endangered species, but I sing no victim song. I am a woman, I am an artist, and I know where my voice belongs".

Her rendition of the song earned her a standing ovation from the audience. She then went on to give a motivational speech.

She said, "To anyone who has ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn't wouldn't come true, I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like. This is what striving looks like, and don't you ever, ever give up on you." 

She further thanked her co-stars, family, and everyone who supported and voted for her. 

While still reeling with excitement from her Emmy win, the actress was showered with a bouquet of white and purple flowers from a distinguished well-wisher.

Beyonce surprised the actress by giving her a precious gift to commemorate her historic achievement. Ralph shared a clip on Instagram showing her open a card that included sweet words from the superstar songstress.

The note read, "To the original Dreamgirl, sending you a beautiful congratulations. All my love, Beyonce." After reading the words, the "Bogus" star appeared to be in awe as she took in the special moment.

Captioning the video, she wrote, "I am still basking in the glow of love, and I am still smelling the flowers, and I am still so thankful and grateful to all of you."