User:Lit316/Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker (1906-1975), is known as the "girl who danced her way through the 20's and 30's only dressed in bananas". A dancer, singer, actress and a comedian all in one, Josephine Baker was the first black female entertainer to break through racial prejudice in Europe and the United States. Her acts were both outrageously funny and quite sexy. She was a star of stage, screen and recordings, a civil rights activist and an honored military woman during World War II. She adopted 12 children of different races, whom she called the "Rainbow Tribe". Josephine sought to prove that "children of different ethnicities and religions could be brothers". Josephine's stardom lasted for 50 years; her fans gave her extravagant gifts such as diamonds and cars, and she received over 1,500 marriage proposals.

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."

On her funeral procession, 20,000 people gathered on the streets of Paris to pay respects. Baker was the first American woman buried in France with military honors. Josephine Baker became an idol in all respects. Not only was she a breathtaking performer, but she was also a very intelligent woman who fought for civil rights. She inspired people even after her death?"The Josephine Baker Story" motion picture was released in 1991. The film won two Emmys and was nominated for Golden Globe