Local artist presents portrait of Ray Charles to singer's daughter
Amos. G. Stokes Jr. isn’t afraid to try new things. Over his 62 years Stokes, more commonly known as “ Sadat ,” has been a professional artist, actor and comedian. In June, he presented a portrait of the late Ray Charles to the singer’s daughter, Sheila Raye Charles in Greensboro at the Black Network Television conference. Sadat, who has lived in Alamance County for eight years, said he found out Charles was going to be present at the event so he wanted to paint a portrait of her father. “When I gave the portrait to her, Sheila was so happy,” Sadat said. “I could see the tears in her eyes of joy.” He didn’t have such good luck with a higher profile visitor. When First Lady, Michelle Obama, visited the state earlier this month he tried to give her a portrait he had painted of her, but the Secret Service said he would have to set up an appointment. “Even though I couldn’t give it to her then, I’m not going to give up just yet,” Sadat said. From the six...
