Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50

By Connie Briscoe, Michael Cunningham, Claudia Craig Marek

A photographer and a New York Times bestsellingnovelist profile 50 women over the age of 50 who have been remarkably successful -- whether in reaching the top of thecorporate ladder, finding fame in politics or the arts, orraising a son to be proud of a single mother -- and revealthe ways that they have prevailed despite daunting obstacles. Jewels includes well-known and little-known womenalike, from teachers and executives to artists, authors, andentertainers. Among the celebrities profiled in the book areRuby Dee, Eleanor Holmes Norton, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Marion Wright Edelman. Coauthor Connie Briscoe alsoappears here as one of the featured Jewels, telling herinspiring personal story. World-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator Nikki Giovannicontributes an original poem to the book.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316113042
• ISBN13: 9780316113045
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 2.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.9" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Women Over 50

I received this book in a very timely manner and it was in excellent condition. The book itself is a treasure trove of beautiful pictures and well written text of accomplished African American women aged 50 years and older. I gave this book as a birthday present to a woman turning 50 and it was a welcome gift. I own this book, it was given to me as a Mother's Day present. You can't go wrong with this item, it's perfect for women of all ages and all ethnic backgrounds!

Jewels: Indeed they are!

What's not to love about 50 beautiful black women over the age of 50? I was sold on the cover alone. Ruby Dee is one the most beautiful women of all time and she does not get the recognition that she so richly deserves. The book is my coffee table, do I need to say anything else?

Inspiring, Uplifting

I'm not sure what the above poster was thinking. M. Cunningham is one of the best photographers around (he did the photos in Crowns) and the photos in this book are beautiful. Don't pay attention to the cover on this page, its a bad reproduction of a great photo of actress Ruby Dee. I found the womens essays open and heart-warming. This book is the perfect Christmas gift for a mother or grandmother or any woman in your life if you want to put a smile on her face.

fantastic book

this Book truly showcases Black women in full detail. this Book captures Black Women over and 50 and Beyond with there words,Wisdom and uplift. Connie Briscoe does a fantastic job at interviewing. all 50 women. Michael Cunningham does a Great Job here as well. you hear stories of overcoming so many obstacles and maintaining a level of still striving for more. you learn that a strong upbringing and Love along with family made these Women strive for more than what was said or expected. Ruby Dee looks fantastic and is timeless as are the other African-American Women Profiled in this Book. very enlightening and detailed.

5-Star photos, 5-star words of wisdom

Award-winning photographer Michael Cunningham collaborated with New York Times bestselling novelist Connie Brisco to bring us a beautiful photo essay book about women over 50. Jewels profiles 50 women who are African-American. Cunningham's photos, as in his fabulous Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats, captures their strength and spirit, their energy and enthusiasm, and their pride and confidence. Connie Briscoe adds her crisp prose from interviewing the women to show why each one is a "jewel." Some names I recognized--people in the public eye like actors, poets, public leaders such as actress Ruby Dee, S. Epatha Merkerson (the detective on Law and Order), Hattie Winston (the snappy nurse on TV's Becker) and of course, Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of Children's Defense Fund. Some others are company presidents and leaders in business, education and the community. Most of the women gave a lot of credit for their upbringing for making them who they are. They received love and stability--and were made to believe they could shoot for the stars. These women seized opportunity, while others created it. Many overcame humble beginnings, early death of parent, divorce, and disability. The key for many seemed to be the unwavering expectation that they do well--regardless. "My life is proof that you never know what you have inside you until it's called upon. I know I didn't." -- Patricia Banks, age 71. Just imagine the changes someone like Billie Allen, 81, actor and director, has experienced as a black person--and as a black woman in her years. One of the 50 is Faith Childs, 55, a literary agent who deemed that much of what is written does not represent her African-American experience--and plays more on the negative stereotypes. She represents authors, not just black writers--and looks for more good writers to tell good and accurate stories. This is a wonderful book for black families to encourage their children and understand what others have done who have gone before. This is a stunning book for its photographs complemented by heartfelt stories. This is an important read for all women over 50. It's a book you can learn from -- I did. Armchair Interview says: Winners of hard-won battles, these 50 women tell stories of achievement on all levels.