Josephine Baker: She was "coffee to his cream" and a wartime heroine.

Josephine Baker once said about her partner Jo Bouillon, “He was my cream, and I was his coffee. And when you poured us together, it was something,” Offerring a simple yet powerful metaphor that captured the essence of their relationship. But it is another quote, from her brief speech at the March on Washington in 1963 that provides insight into the internal fire that fueled her courageous work for the French Resistance during World War II and her rise to prominence in the “I have walked into the palaces of kings and queens and into the houses of presidents, and much more,” she told the crowd of some 250,000. “But I could not walk into a hotel in America and get a cup of coffee, and that made me mad. And when I get mad, you know that I open my big mouth.”

Josephine Baker performing in Paris, 1930s

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1906, Josephine Baker grew up in poverty and faced racial segregation from an early age. Despite these challenges, she showed remarkable talent and determination. She moved to New York City as a teenager and began performing in vaudeville shows. Her breakthrough came when she moved to Paris in the 1920s, where she became a sensation in the vibrant nightlife scene.

Baker’s performances were groundbreaking. She combined dance, music, and theatrical flair with a unique style that captivated audiences. Her famous banana skirt costume and energetic dances challenged conventional norms and made her an international star. Paris embraced her as a symbol of freedom and exotic beauty, but her success in Europe contrasted sharply with the discrimination she faced in the United States.

The Coffee Denial Incident and Racial Discrimination

Despite her fame, Josephine Baker was not immune to racism. One striking example occurred when she was denied a cup of coffee at a hotel in the United States. This incident highlighted the harsh reality of segregation laws and racial prejudice that persisted even for a world-renowned artist.

Baker refused to accept such treatment quietly. She used her platform to speak out against racial injustice and segregation, and ended up paying a high price for calling out her experience at the Stork Club. Her experiences fueled her commitment to equality and human rights.

Josephine Baker’s Role in the French Resistance

Before the fight against segregation in America, Josephine Baker was one of an army of women who were part of the French Resistance. When World War II broke out, she was living in France and became involved in the fight against Nazi occupation. Using her celebrity status as a cover, she worked as a spy and courier for the French Resistance.

Baker’s missions included carrying secret messages hidden in her sheet music and traveling to various locations to gather intelligence. Her performances allowed her to move freely between different social circles and countries without raising suspicion. She also used her connections to help smuggle refugees and provide aid to those persecuted by the Nazis.

Her bravery earned her several honors, including the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor from the French government. Baker’s work in the Resistance showed a different side of her — not just an entertainer but a committed fighter for freedom and justice.

Legacy Beyond the Stage

Josephine Baker’s impact goes far beyond her performances. She broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry and became a symbol of resistance against oppression. After the war, she continued to advocate for civil rights. She and Bouillon adopted 12 children from different ethnic backgrounds, calling the family at their French Château des Milandes her “Rainbow Tribe.”

Her life story inspires many today, reminding us that courage and determination can overcome prejudice and adversity. Baker’s journey from being denied a simple cup of coffee to risking her life for freedom illustrates the power of resilience and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Josephine Baker’s legacy is a powerful reminder that fame does not shield one from injustice, but it can be a tool to fight it. Her work with the French Resistance and her lifelong commitment to equality make her a a Wild Woman to be remembered and celebrated.