WOMEN IN HISTORY - JOSEPHINE BAKER
African-American international star, civil rights activist, World War II heroine
DATE OF BIRTH
Born Freda McDonald, 1906
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PLACE OF BIRTH
St. Louis, Missouri
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DATE OF DEATH
1975
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PLACE OF DEATH
Josephine died in Paris, in her sleep, after a large party given in her honor. She was buried in Monaco. She became the first American woman to receive French military honors at her funeral.
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FAMILY BACKGROUND
Josephine Baker's mother was Carrie McDonald and her father was Eddie Carson. Arthur Martin was her stepfather. Her siblings were Richard, Margaret and Willie Mae. Josephine's first husband was Willie Wells; her second husband was Willie Baker; her third husband was Jean Lion; and, her fourth husband was orchestra leader Jo Bouillon. Her twelve adopted children were: Akio (male), Janot (male), Luis (male), Jari (male), Jean-Claude (male), Moise (male), Brahim (male), Marianne (female), Koffi (male), Mara (male), Noel (male), Stellina (female). Josephine's last marriage was to American Artist Robert Brady.
EDUCATION
Dropped out of school at the age of 12.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Overcoming the limitations imposed by the color of her skin, she became one of the world's most versatile entertainers, performing on stage, screen and recordings. Josephine was decorated for her undercover work for the French Resistance during World War II. She was a civil rights activist. She refused to perform for segregated audiences and integrated the Las Vegas nightclubs. She adopted twelve children from around the world whom she called her "Rainbow Tribe."
WEBSITES
- CMG Worldwide Official Site of Josephine Baker
- Josephine Baker
- University of Georgia Libraries Paris Music Hall Collection - Josephine Baker costume illustration
- Silent Ladies & Gents Photo Gallery
- About.com: Josephine Baker
- St. Louis Walk of Fame: Josephine Baker
- IMDB Mini-Biography
- Wikipedia
Josephine Baker as portrayed by Vernice Jackson
CITATION
This page may be cited as:
Women in History. Josephine Baker biography. Last Updated: 1/12/2013. Women In History Ohio.
<http://www.womeninhistoryohio.com/josephine-baker.html>
Women in History. Josephine Baker biography. Last Updated: 1/12/2013. Women In History Ohio.
<http://www.womeninhistoryohio.com/josephine-baker.html>