Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50 [Hardcover]

Michael Cunningham (Author), Connie Briscoe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 11, 2007

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Photographer Cunningham (Crowns) and popular novelist Briscoe (Big Girls Don't Cry, etc.) honor 50 women, more than half over 60, in this collection of stunning photographs and inspiring personal recollections. While a few have officially retired, none of these women can be described as retiring. "I'm having a wonderful time being exactly who I am at the age that I am," says one, reflecting the general sentiments of this diverse group, which includes a financial consultant, reading specialist, sign language interpreter, tax lawyer, real estate broker and a bookstore owner (Clara Villarosa). Some are familiar (e.g., Ruby Dee, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Nikki Giovanni, S. Epatha Merkerson), but most are not. Several are involved with powerful institutions little known outside the black community—sororities, women's clubs and service organizations. Tucked into their succinct narratives is a surprising abundance of practical advice about maneuvering between the worlds they have survived and mastered (corporate, military, entertainment, government, entrepreneurial). Some recall hard knocks, having faced deaths, depression and divorce, cancer, a child with Down syndrome and teenaged pregnancy, but all acknowledge the helping hands of parents, grandparents, teachers and mentors. This book will have special resonance for black women, but offers its inspirational message to all. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Photographer Cunningham and best-selling novelist Briscoe offer a stunning photo-essay tribute to 50 black women over the age of 50 who defied racism and sexism to realize rich lives of accomplishment and personal satisfaction. Each striking black-and-white portrait accompanies a personal essay as the women often recall the people who came before them, inspiring them to achieve and admonishing them not to allow themselves to be defeated by the limitations they faced. The women also recall many firsts: the first black woman to achieve some status in the nation to the first black woman (or person) in her family to get a college degree. The subjects include celebrities and noncelebrities in medicine, education, business, and social activism. Among the jewels are Ruby Dee, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Marian Wright Edelman, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Briscoe herself. Poet Nikki Giovanni is also here and contributed an original poem in tribute to the achievements of black women. A beautiful and inspirational book. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; First Edition, First Printing edition (April 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316113042
• ISBN-13: 978-0316113045
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.9 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,002,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5-Star photos, 5-star words of wisdom, March 26, 2007

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50 (Hardcover)

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.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic book, April 29, 2007

By 

A customer "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50 (Hardcover)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Diverse Book, January 17, 2008

By 

Taren Bradley "rixmom1030" (Washington DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50 (Hardcover)

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.