Josephine Baker
Full Name
Freda Josephine McDonald, naturalized as Joséphine Baker
Date of Birth
June 3, 1906
Place of Birth
Date of Death
April 12, 1975
Place of Death
Education
Not available
Spouses Names
- Willie Wells (m. 1919; div. 1919)
- Will Baker (m. 1921; div. 1925)
- Jean Lion (m. 1937; div. 1941)
- Jo Bouillon (m. 1947; div. 1961)
Children Names
Josephine Baker adopted twelve children of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds, calling them her “Rainbow Tribe.”
Parents Names
- Mother: Carrie McDonald
- Father: Eddie Carson (Vaudeville drummer)
Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer, renowned for her contributions as a dancer, singer, actress, and civil rights activist. She gained fame in Paris, France, where she became a symbol of the Jazz Age and a celebrated performer at venues like the Folies Bergère. Baker’s iconic performances often challenged racial and sexual stereotypes, and she was known for her energetic dance style and extravagant costumes, including her famous banana skirt. During World War II, Baker worked for France’s counter-intelligence services against the Nazis, joining the resistance and notably collecting information. Josephine-baker-enters-pantheon). For her efforts, she received the Croix de guerre and was made a Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur. Baker was a vocal advocate for civil rights, refusing to perform for segregated audiences in the United States and speaking at the March on Washington in 1963. She was the only official female speaker at the event. In 2021, Josephine Baker was inducted into the Panthéon in Paris, becoming the first Black woman to receive this honor. Her legacy is celebrated for her groundbreaking career, her activism, and her commitment to fighting for equality and justice