Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50

by Michael Cunningham, Connie Briscoe

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Editorial Reviews

Photographer Michael Cunningham (coauthor of Crowns) and author Connie Briscoe, a New York Times bestselling novelist, profile 50 women over the age of 50 who have been remarkably successful--whether in reaching the top of the corporate ladder, finding fame in politics or the arts, or raising a son to be proud of a single mother--and reveal the ways that they have prevailed despite daunting obstacles. Their stories are paired with Cunningham's intimate portraits of the women.

JEWELS includes well-known and little-known women alike, from teachers and executives to artists, authors, and entertainers. Among the celebrities profiled in the book are Ruby Dee, Eleanor Holmes Norton, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Marion Wright Edelman. Coauthor Connie Briscoe also appears here as one of the featured Jewels, telling her inspiring personal story. World-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator Nikki Giovanni contributes an original poem to the book.

Customer Reviews

Jewels: Indeed they are!, 2008-05-09
by Kiernan Delany (Tallahassee, FL)

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?

Diverse Book, 2008-01-18
by Taren Bradley (Washington DC)

It was so wonderful to see so many strong African American women who are in so many fields. I gave it as a gift to a family member for Christmas and it was passed around so much, everyone wants a copy! Kudos to the photographer for capturing the personalities of these remarkable women.

Inspiring, Uplifting, 2007-12-02
by C. Woodruff (MD USA)

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.

jewels, 2007-10-08
by Brenda Izbicki (sayreville , NJ)

Book was damaged at delivery, so I returned it; but what I saw was disappointing, very dull drab pictures, not an attracting looking book at all. Did not look interesting or inviting. Was sorry I ordered it in the first place.

fantastic book, 2007-04-30
by mistermaxxx@yahoo.com (usa)

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.