WOMEN IN HISTORY - JOSEPHINE BAKER

African-American international star, civil rights activist, World War II heroine

DATE OF BIRTH

Born Freda McDonald, 1906

PLACE OF BIRTH

St. Louis, Missouri

DATE OF DEATH

1975

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.  

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

Josephine Baker as portrayed by Vernice Jackson