Born: 1906 (St. Louis, Missouri)
Biography:
Freda Josephine Baker, known as Josephine Baker, was an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress. Born on June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, she became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and an influential advocate for civil rights.
Baker’s early life was marked by adversity and struggle. Her mother, Carrie, was adopted in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1886, by Richard and Elvira McDonald, who were both former slaves of African and Native American descent. While some sources identify vaudeville drummer Eddie Carson as her natural father, this claim is disputed. However, Baker’s complicated familial background laid the foundation for her resilience and determination.
During the early stages of her career, Baker gained recognition for her performances in Europe, particularly in France. She became the first black woman to star in a major motion picture, the 1927 silent film Siren of the Tropics, directed by Mario Nalpas and Henri Étiévant. Her work as a dancer and singer in the revues of the Folies Bergère in Paris established her as one of the most celebrated performers of her time.
In 1927, Baker’s performance in the revue Un vent de folie caused a sensation in the city. She captivated audiences with her iconic costume, consisting of a short skirt made of artificial bananas and a beaded necklace. This outfit became a symbol of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties, while Baker herself was hailed by artists and intellectuals of the era, earning titles such as the Black Venus, the Black Pearl, the Bronze Venus, and the Creole Goddess.
Not only did Baker make a significant impact in the entertainment world, but she also played a crucial role in the fight against oppression. In 1937, she married French industrialist Jean Lion and renounced her U.S. citizenship, becoming a French national. She raised her children in France and went on to aid the French Resistance during World War II. For her contributions, she was awarded the Resistance Medal by the French Committee of National Liberation and the Croix de Guerre by the French military. General Charles de Gaulle further acknowledged her efforts by naming her a Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur.
Baker’s dedication to equality was evident in her refusal to perform for segregated audiences in the United States. She actively participated in the civil rights movement, using her platform to advocate for change. In 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King offered her unofficial leadership in the movement. However, Baker declined the offer, prioritizing the well-being of her children.
Josephine Baker’s impact transcended her career achievements. She left an indelible mark on society, particularly in the fight for racial equality. Her resilience, talent, and activism continue to inspire generations. On November 30, 2021, she was posthumously inducted into the Panthéon in Paris, becoming the first black woman to receive this prestigious honor in France. Though her resting place remains in Monaco Cemetery, a cenotaph was installed in vault 13 of the crypt in the Panthéon, paying tribute to her enduring legacy.
Awards:
– Resistance Medal (awarded by the French Committee of National Liberation)
– Croix de Guerre (awarded by the French military)
– Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur (awarded by General Charles de Gaulle)