Papers of model and entrepreneur Ophelia DeVore, who smashed racial stereotypes, held at Emory

ATLANTA – Ophelia DeVore worked for much of the 20th century to smash stereotypes and empower black women by teaching them poise, confidence and the courage to get ahead in a world deeply etched by racial discrimination.

Her eclectic career spanned more than six decades, beginning as a model at 16 and continuing into her 90s today as the owner of a newspaper in Georgia.

Along the way she opened one of the first modeling agencies for black models and established a charm school for black women to present themselves more effectively. She also launched a cosmetics line for darker complexions and a consulting firm to help companies target minority markets.

Emory University in Atlanta recently acquired DeVore’s collected papers and is making them available for researchers.