WOMANISM + HISTORY
In Josephine Baker’s Activism, Black Joy and Struggle Live Side by Side
Remembering a world-renown performer, World War II spy, and Civil Rights, Activist
So, there’s a myth about Black activists, particularly women, that insists we tend to sacrifice too much for the cause, neglecting self-care. However, many examples throughout history show how Black joy and the struggle live side-by-side, breaking the binary argument. For instance, Josephine Baker became a world-renown performer, a Civil Rights Activist, and even a World War II Spy for the French. Yet, despite her commitment to fighting against racial segregation, she looked amazing every step of the way, met some of the most interesting, influential people, and captivated the hearts of millions.
Baker, born Freda Josephine McDonald in 1906, grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. She spent her youth living in poverty, and “at age eight Josephine cleaned houses and babysat for wealthy white families, often being poorly treated.” However, Baker’s love of dancing lifted her out of these circumstances, landing her a spot on Broadway. By the 1920s, Josephine Baker became a wildly popular performer in France but dedicated much of her life to fighting against racism.
