Ralph, who won the Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy for her role as Barbara Howard, sang "Endangered Species" on stage.
She brought the entire audience to its feet with her song, "I am an endangered species, but I sing no victim's song." "I am an artist and I know where my voice belongs."
To anyone who has ever had a dream and thought it would never, ever come true - I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like," she said. "Don't give up on yourself."
Her co-star and creator of "Abbott Elementary," Quinta Brunson, as well as her husband, Pennsylvania State Sen. Vincent Hughes, and their children were thanked by the actress.
Having appeared on TV in the 1970s, Ralph made her Broadway debut in 1981 with "Dreamgirls," which earned her a Tony nomination. It was her first Emmy nomination and win.