Remembering and Celebrating The Life and Legacy of Dr. Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell

Violinist, Richmond Punch

Richmond Punch, a violin virtuoso who delivers a riveting, dynamic, explosive, and powerful performance! Richmond, a native of Dallas Texas, graduated from a top-rated Arts Magnet; Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He honed his craft and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the famous Juilliard School of Music in New York, and received a Master of Music degree from the prestigious Yale University. He specializes in live jazz violin music for special events; including corporate concerts, festivals, weddings and worship. As an accomplished musician, Richmond has produced 4 CDs in various genres that include Classical, Hip Hop Jazz and Gospel. The titles of his four CDs, which are available online are; “Gospel Covers,” “Finally,” ”Back That Violin Up” and “Hymns for Botham.”

Internationally Known

Throughout his career, Punch has traveled the world dazzling audiences as large as 15,000, from Mexico to Cuba, and stateside from Atlanta to Anchorage, and everywhere in between. Richmond is a featured entertainer for the Disney Cruise Line, Dallas Cowboys Club, and Dallas Love Field Airport. He’s also featured on Amazon Prime’s, “The Focus.” He recently played a four hour set on live broadcast internationally for Rayshard Brooks’ Viewing Service, viewed by over 1,000,000 people across ABC, NBC, Time, Reuters, Reuters UK, Daily Mail, and Evening Standard platforms.

Entertained Hollywood Royalties

Richmond has opened for Idina Menzel, from Disney’s Frozen; and has entertained Hollywood Royalties, and other celebrities that include; Viola Davis, Danny Glover, Steven Forbes, Daymond “Shark Tank” John, Omari Hardwick, Letoya Luckett, Morris Chestnut, Jewel, Bishop T. D. Jakes, Ross Perot, Kirk Franklin, Kirk Whalum, Nolan Ryan, Emmitt Smith, and Gary Payton just to name a few. He has also played backup for Kenny G and Diana Ross.

Mentoring and Giving Back

For more than 20 years, Richmond has given much of his time to support non-profit organizations. In addition to sharing his musical talent, he has worked with mentoring programs that includes, Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor and speaker. He has worked with various school districts, HBCUs, and other colleges and universities across the country. Richmond currently resides in the Atlanta area.

http://www.richmondpunch.net/ Booking: (214) 753-3477

Custom Designer of Surgical Apparels and Published Author

Brenda Worrles, a native of Fayette county, custom designer of Surgical apparels for her clients or anyone who have had an injury as a result of an accident, on the job injury, unplanned or planned surgery. Many times, after injuries or surgeries, patients have difficulties getting in or out of their clothing, gowns or under garments as a result of an arm, back or leg injury. Brenda, also a published author of four books including three children books. Brenda, a hard worker and business owner, dedicated and committed to her passion which is her love for writing and compassion for people, she works countless hours as a Care Giver and Residential Assistant. In spite of her busy schedule she is also working to receive her Doctorate Degree online. Brenda, a hard worker and business owner was nominated and honored with a 2019 Lady of Distinction Award.

Brenda’s Velcro custom designed surgical apparel: Tees, bras, gowns, wraps and pants can be pre-ordered in all sizes and colors to fit your needs; designed to assist you in making life easier for putting on and taking off clothing after an unplanned or planned surgery.

Brenda’s published children’s books can be purchased on Books-Amazon.com or call (901) 451-2965. http://brendajoyceworrles.com/about-me/

Honoring Dr. Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell “Black Royalty”

Dr. Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell, known for her pioneer efforts in the fashion, beauty and entertainment industry. She was a Model, Producer, entrepreneur, international businesswoman, CEO and Publisher of The Columbus Times Newspaper and pioneer in the “Black is Beautiful” movement.

DeVore exemplified power, pride, presence and beauty in African American women. A former model and longtime business executive, she started one of the first modeling agencies for black models, which helped launch the early careers of actresses Diahann Carroll and Cicely Tyson, among other celebrities.

One of the first mixed-race models in the United States, Dr. DeVore was born in Edgefield, S.C., in 1922, to parents of German, French, Native American and African American heritage. In 1933, DeVore was sent to New York City to live with her aunt and to further her education. She graduated from Hunter College High School and attended New York University.

DeVore was also a part of the Civil Rights movement and personal friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Ralph Abernathy, Coretta Scott King, Dick Gregory, Louis Farrakhan, Joseph Lowery, Julian Bond, Betty Shabazz, Al Sharpton, John Henrik Clarke, Jessie Jackson, John Lewis, just to name a few.

Exemplifying Excellence