Sheryl Lee Ralph Instagram – Give a warm, gracious hello to @selfmagazine’s March cover star, the exceedingly vibrant ✨Sheryl Lee Ralph✨ (@thesherylleeralph). Ralph’s presence—both as educator Barbara Howard on ABC’s hit show “Abbott Elementary,” and in real life—can only be described as equal parts elder stateswoman and preacher. The confidence that oozes from her pores is well-earned and unshakable. In conversation with journalist and author Evette Dionne (@freeblackgirl), she laughs loudly, breaks out in song when the mood strikes, and tells sometimes-heavy stories about her life and career without a hint of sadness or regret. In a society that often expects women to seek eternal youth, Ralph—a proud 67 years old—has seemingly mastered the art of aging authentically: “If you are not living, you are dead,” Ralph says. “And while I’m living, I’m going to enjoy myself. Take the plastic off the furniture. Pull out the good plates…I’m telling you: People need to start living a good life.” And Ralph has done just that; despite enduring racism, sexism, and loss, she’s poured her soul into advocacy work, and is happily holding the door open for the next generation. Now she has *plenty* of life lessons to share in what feels like a sermon about self-love: “My whole thing is letting everybody know you are worth it—especially if you look like me, you are definitely worth it, because you have come through unimaginable pain and hurt. And look at you: still glowing, still raising up a flag of magic.” Tap the link in bio to read the full cover story. Credits: Photographer: Andy Jackson (@anndyjackson) Wardrobe Stylist: Kat Typaldos (@kattypaldos) Makeup: Juanice Reed (@juanice.mua) Hair: Sharif Poston (@sharifposton) Prop Stylist: James Lear (@jameslear) Manicurist: Jill Thomas (@jillthomasnailz) Editor in Chief: Rachel Wilkerson Miller (@the_rewm) Creative Director: Amber Venerable (@avenerable) Production: Melissa Kramer (@melissa.j.kramer) Entertainment Directors: Caitlin Brody (@cbroday) and Sergio Kletnoy (@sergiokletnoy) Author: Evette Dion (@freeblackgirl)