In the Spotlight: Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker. Photo by Paul Nadar

Dreamer, Dancer, Starlet, Spy

People often ask me, "Why France?"

There are the obvious reasons—the fine wine and delectable cheese, the lavender fields, and the melodious (but difficult) language. But still—why France?

Two words: Josephine Baker.

It’ll be 100 years this October since Josephine moved to France. She came to do a show. She was only 19 at the time and probably didn't expect or dare hope to stay more than a few weeks, much less months.

She stayed for decades. 

France became her home. It celebrated her talent and embraced her spirit—something America struggled to do at the time. 

I’ve always admired how she made France hers, how she refused to let the boundaries of her past define her future. That same defiance, that determination to build a life where she could be fully seen, is what draws me to France too. It’s the idea of finding a place where you’re not just tolerated but truly embraced, where you can shape your own story.

Josephine was more than a performer; she was a force. Born in St. Louis in 1906, she rose from the harsh realities of poverty to become a global sensation. When she arrived in Paris in 1925, the city fell for her immediately. Baker's exotic dance routines, such as her infamous "banana skirt" performance at the Folies Bergère, captured the imagination of the Jazz Age. Paris embraced her, and she made it her home, eventually renouncing her American citizenship. But Josephine was never one to be boxed in by labels. She was more than just the "Black Venus" or the "Bronze Goddess." She was a woman who lived by her own rules, even when the world wasn't ready for them.

Her life had its darker chapters—struggles with acceptance in her homeland, financial difficulties, and the heartbreak of relationships that didn't last. Yet, even when Broadway turned its back, she remained steadfast. Her return to Paris and her later involvement in the French Resistance during World War II are testaments to her bravery and resilience. With notes hidden in sheet music and messages stitched into her clothes, she spied for the Allies, risking her life for the country that had embraced her in ways her birthplace refused to. Yet, in time, even the United States came to recognize her for her talents and her courage. She became a symbol of resistance, freedom, and determination on both sides of the Atlantic.

A Legacy of Courage and Compassion

Josephine’s courage extended beyond the stage and the battlefield. She fought against segregation, refusing to perform for segregated audiences in the United States. She raised her "Rainbow Tribe" of adopted children from diverse backgrounds, showing the world that love knows no boundaries. When civil rights leaders like Coretta Scott King invited her to step into Martin Luther King Jr.’s role, Josephine considered it deeply before choosing to protect her children—a decision born from love and responsibility.

Her legacy is one of determination, defying limitations placed on her because of her race, gender, and unconventionality. She dared to follow her dreams, to step beyond what seemed possible, and to face the world unbowed. Josephine inspires me—and so many others—to keep daring, to keep pushing past the boundaries others try to impose. She teaches us that even when faced with disappointment, it’s possible to hold onto compassion, to stay open to love, and to remain vulnerable despite the risks. Hers is a story of unbroken spirit, a reminder to never let the world tell you who you are allowed to be.

Take the Challenge: The Life and Times of Josephine Baker Crossword Puzzle!

Think you know Josephine? Dive into "The Life and Times of Josephine Baker" crossword puzzle! Test your knowledge of her storied career, her legendary performances, and the lesser-known stories of her life—from the bright lights of Paris to her daring wartime espionage. It’s a fun way to honor a woman who lived larger than life and inspired generations with her boldness and artistry.

Thank you for reading, and I hope Josephine’s story brings you as much inspiration as it does me. In her life, there’s a lesson for all of us—dream big, stay fearless, and never lose sight of your humanity.