The Josephine Baker Story

HonorJosephineBaker.org is a tribute to the legendary Josephine Baker (1906-1975) and the headquarters of the petition calling for an Oscar to be awarded to Josephine Baker Posthumously. Josephine Baker became one of the best-known entertainers in both France and much of Europe. Her exotic, sensual act reinforced the creative images coming out of the Harlem Renaissance in America.

Born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, Missouri, she later took the name Baker from her second husband, Willie Baker, whom she married at age 15.

Surviving the 1917 riots in East St. Louis, Illinois, where the family was living, Josephine ran away a few years alter at age thirteen and began dancing in vaudeville and on Broadway. In 1925, Josephine Baker went to Paris where, after the jazz revue La Revue Nègre failed, her comic ability and jazz dancing drew attention of the director of the Folies Bergère.

Virtually an instant hit, Josephine Baker became one of the best-known entertainers in both France and much of Europe. Her exotic, sensual act reinforced the creative images coming out of the Harlem Renaissance in America.

During World War II Josephine Baker worked with the Red Cross, gathered intelligence for the French Resistance and entertained troops in Africa and the Middle East.

In 1934, Josephine Baker became the first black actress to star in a major foreign movie—Zou Zou. Baker made a total of four films for foreign markets. In her very public life, she worked tirelessly to encourage integrated societies where everyone is respected, regardless of race, religion or sexual identity. She was an amazing humanitarian, performing artist, spy, patriot, and mother of a rainbow tribe of children.  

Fans of Josephine Baker are petitioning for the Iconic Foreign Film Star to be recognized by the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.  The Fans recognized that the Academy did not have a Foreign Category until 1956 and the Golden Globes was not formed until 1944 ten years after Ms. Baker starred in her first foreign motion picture, however due to the fact that she paved the way for people of color to have opportunities in major motion pictures and her standing as a Global International Icon, it is only befitting to have her recognized in this manner.

In celebration of Ms. Baker cinematic journey, we request your signature on this Historic petition, Honoring the Legacy of Ms. Baker!

Films that Ms. Baker was in:

Thank you for adding your signature to honor Josephine Baker for a special Oscars award.

The petition is ongoing.

Add your voice to an international movement giving honor to Josephine Baker.