When racism overtly blanketed the United States, many African Americans fell through the cracks of history. One of those awe-inspiring Americans was Josephine Baker. The black bombshell captivated audiences with her divine beauty and incredible singing talent. However, the “Bronze Venus,” as she was known in France, accomplished much more than wowing throngs of fans.
Dancer, signer, activist, spy, Josephine Baker. (AnOthermagazine)
She also operated as a spy during World War II. She earned France’s Legion of Honor and became the first African American to be interned in Paris’ Panthéon, alongside such greats as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie. As if that wasn’t enough, Baker also fought for civil rights in America and marched shoulder to shoulder with Martin Luther King Jr. This is the incredible story of Josephine Baker.
All of France fell for Ms. Baker. (military.com)
Racism Robs America The Joy Of Josephine Baker
Born in St. Louis in 1906, Baker came into a segregated and unjust America. It didn’t take long for her and other African Americans bursting with potential to look for greener pastures. As author, poet, and playwright James Baldwin put it, "I didn't know what was going to happen to me in France but I knew what was going to happen to me in New York." Baker shared his sentiment, "I just couldn't stand America, and I was one of the first colored Americans to move to Paris."
Her Danse Sauvage, which translates to savage dance captivated a nation.
Instant Acclaim
Unlike in America where Baker faced unrelenting bigotry and disgraceful behavior, France welcomed her with open arms. In 1927 she became the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture “Siren of the Tropics.” Her star burned so brightly that two men decided a duel must be fought in her honor.
Baker and her unforgettable banana outfit. (amazon)
A Woman Worth Dueling For
As TIME magazine reported, in 1928, when "the ogling and attentions of Hungarian Cavalry Captain Andrew Czlovoydi became too fervently gallant to be stomached by La Baker's manager, Count Pepito di Albertini," they decided to fight it out, with swords!
Rather dramatically, the duel was fought in a cemetery with Baker watching, perched atop a nearby tombstone. The pair battled with their swords for 10 minutes before the count’s sword lightly found the shoulder of the Captain. From there, Baker decided the foolishness had gone on long enough and forced the two of them to settle their difference more amicably.
Her la Folie du Jour in the banana skirt enraptured greats like Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway and E. E. Cummings.
The Iconic Banana Skirt
One of Baker’s most famous acts in Paris involved a diminutive costume made of artificial bananas. While on paper it violates a number of politically correct ideals of today, Morgan Jenkins of Vogue wrote, "When she swung onstage in that fiercely swinging banana skirt, Baker brilliantly manipulated the white male imagination ... she clowned and seduced and subverted stereotypes." That titillating outfit grew so famous that Beyoncé even wore one, honoring and celebrating Baker’s 100th birthday.
Baker earned numerous awards and medals for her incredible bravery. (theguardian)
A War Hero
Obviously, Baker’s brilliance extended far beyond the stage. During WWII she demonstrated incredible bravery and stone-cold fearlessness all in the name of bringing down the Nazis. While many other French entertainers put on shows for the occupying German forces, Baker risked her life in defiance. She hid refugees and weapons for the French Resistance and used her irrepressible charm against the German Forces.
When Mussolini invaded Ethiopia, Baker initially supported the move. That gave the Axis powers the impression that Baker was “one of theirs.” That misconception allowed her to carry secret messages written in invisible ink to Allied military leaders. More than once, she smuggled secret photos of Nazi military equipment in her underwear! Smitten German officials were too occupied with her wiley allure to suspect anything! Her heroic efforts earned her the Medal of Resistance in 1946.
She often brought guests to visit with her "Rainbow Tribe" of 12 adopted kids from around the world. To her they represented proof that people from everywhere could coexist.
Grace Kelly Friendship
Sadly, despite accomplishing so much, Baker still faced unrelenting racism in America. Even after all her heroics during the war, she was refused service at the Stork’s Club in Manhattan. Hearteningly, at least one person found this treatment contemptible: Grace Kelly. The up-and-coming actress walked out of the club with Baker and never returned. When Baker fell on hard times after adopting 12 children from around the world, Kelly took her and her “Rainbow Tribe” in.
It helped that Kelly was married to the Prince of Monaco, Prince Rainier III, and therefore, had a spare villa or two. Nevertheless, Kelly standing up for Baker at a time when few white people would and offering support during hard times says a lot about Kelly and their friendship. Baker continued to campaign for civil rights throughout her life, never afraid to stand up for what’s right.
