Josephine Baker

A trailblazing entertainer, civil rights activist, and World War II resistance spy who challenged racial and gender norms.

Josephine Baker (1906–1975) was a revolutionary figure who made an indelible impact on the worlds of art, civil rights, and international diplomacy. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Baker rose from poverty to become one of Europe’s most celebrated performers in the 1920s and 1930s. Her iconic performances, such as the sensual 'Danse Sauvage' in a banana skirt, redefined modern dance and challenged racial stereotypes.

Beyond entertainment, Baker became a key intelligence agent for the French Resistance during World War II, smuggling secret messages in sheet music and using her celebrity to access Axis gatherings. After the war, she adopted 12 children from diverse backgrounds, calling them her 'Rainbow Tribe,' to model racial unity.

Baker also played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement, refusing to perform for segregated audiences and speaking alongside Martin Luther King Jr. at the 1963 March on Washington. Her legacy as a boundary-breaking artist and activist continues to inspire movements for equality today.