No. 68: Josephine Baker
Episode Transcript
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Picture this: a performer so captivating that she becomes a global superstar, a war hero, and a fearless advocate for justice—all wrapped into one incredible woman. This is the legacy of Josephine Baker, a name you should never forget.
Hi, I’m Shae, a PhD candidate at Harvard, and welcome to '100 Historic Black Women You Should Know By Election Day.' Today, we’re delving into the fascinating life of Josephine Baker, a woman who shattered boundaries on stage, in war, and in the fight for civil rights.
Josephine Baker was born in 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri, into a world that offered little promise to a young Black girl. Yet, despite the odds, she found her way onto the stage, and by the age of 19, she had moved to Paris, where her career would take off.
In the 1920s, Europe—especially Paris—was captivated by Josephine’s daring performances. Her iconic “banana skirt” dance in La Revue Nègre made her an overnight sensation. But behind the glitz and glamour, Josephine was deeply aware of the racial injustices she had left behind in America. France offered her a level of freedom and respect that was unimaginable in the U.S., and she took full advantage of this new platform.
During World War II, Josephine didn’t just entertain troops; she actively worked against the Axis powers as a spy for the French Resistance. Using her celebrity status as a cover, she gathered intelligence at parties attended by high-ranking Axis officials. Her courage knew no bounds—she smuggled secret messages in her sheet music and pinned them to her underwear.
After the war, Josephine was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Resistance medal by the French government for her bravery. But her fight didn’t end with the war. She returned to the United States and became a vocal advocate for civil rights, refusing to perform for segregated audiences. In 1963, she was one of the very few women allowed to speak at the March on Washington, standing proudly in her French military uniform as she declared, “I have walked into the palaces of kings and queens and into the houses of presidents. And much more. But I could not walk into a hotel in America and get a cup of coffee.”
Josephine’s activism wasn’t just limited to the stage or the battlefield. She adopted twelve children from different countries, calling them her "Rainbow Tribe," to show the world that racial and cultural harmony was possible.
Here’s something you might not know: Josephine Baker was so beloved in France that when she passed away in 1975, she became the first American woman to receive full French military honors at her funeral, an honor typically reserved for heads of state.
If Josephine Baker’s story inspired you, don’t forget to follow and rate this podcast 5 stars so these remarkable stories can reach more people. And be sure to follow me on social media and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more incredible histories. Until next time, remember: history must be shared and told by everyone!
