Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer, activist, and French Resistance agent. She spent her youth in poverty before learning to dance and finding success on Broadway. In the 1920s she moved to France and soon became one of Europe's most popular and highest-paid performers. She worked for the French Resistance during World War II, and during the 1950s and '60s devoted herself to fighting segregation and racism in the United States. She first performed in Cuba in 1950. After beginning her comeback to the stage in 1973, Josephine Baker died of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1975, and was buried with military honors. Publicity photograph of Josephine Baker wearing a strapless gown with a train during a stay in Havana, Cuba. Inscription on photograph: To my three loves with loads and loads of kisses and hugs, your sister -- and auntie Josephine Baker 1951. Written on back of photo: Josephine Baker 1951. Collection of Miriam Matthews.
Type
image
Identifier
uclalsc_1889_b21_f09_004a.tif ark:/21198/z1dv3312
Subject
African American women dancers African American civil rights workers African American actresses Baker, Josephine, 1906-1975
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