Detroit, MI - Despite progress that has been made in the struggle for racial equality, many women of color have yet to fully understand their true worth and potential. In author Terri McFaddin's newest book entitled Sapphires and Other Precious Jewels, she uncovers the distorted perceptions African American women deal with on a daily basis and empowers them to embrace and celebrate their value and strength. 
In Sapphires and Other Precious Jewels (WaterBrook/Random House, 224 pages, paperback, 1-57856-599-5, $12.99), McFaddin draws from biblical scripture to describe 12 precious gemstones that correlate to a characteristic shared by women of African descent. The book is written for women of African ancestry, particularly those who need to discover and rediscover their beauty and value. McFaddin hopes the book will tackle the self-esteem issues many women of color have and give them the courage to overcome the adversities in their life. 
"If any race of women should recognize that their value is far above rubies, pearls and sapphires, it's those of African ancestry," says McFaddin. "The challenges that Black women have faced throughout history might have crushed their spirits. But instead adversity has caused these women to shine with the brilliance of precious jewels." 
Sapphires and Other Precious Jewels is due to be released on January 20, 2004. Receiving endorsements from entertainers like Marilyn McCoo and Alaine Reed Hall, relationships experts Michelle McKinney Hammond and Dr. Ronn Elmore and African American Woman on Tour founder Marie Dowd, the book sizzles. 
To schedule an interview with author Terri McFaddin, contact Pam Perry at (248) 426-2300. For more information on the Grammy award-winning author, go to: 
www.terrimcfaddin.org. The book is also available at amazon.com and bookstores across the nation.