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Aaron Jesse and Angelica Bunay
Early Life
Early Life
American-born French dancer 1906 St. Louis Missouri -1975. Baker devoted herself to fighting against segregation and racism during the 1950s and '60s in the United States. She grew up in poverty and was out of school till age ten. When Baker first took up dance, she would perform in clubs and street performances. She later went on to perform comedic skits with the Dixie Streppers and tour the US with the Jones Family.
Work and professional life
Work and professional life
During the German occupation in WWII, Baker worked with the Red Cross, the resistance, and the Free French forces, entertaining troops. She was awarded occupation in the Croix de Guerre and Legion of Honour. She aided the French military by passing on secrets that she heard while performing for German troops.
Fighting Inequality through Dance
Fighting Inequality through Dance
It was during her time in the US that segregation was prominent. She fought for racial equality by demanding her audience become integrated and refusing to perform for segregated audiences.
Contuniued Civil Rights Activism
Contuniued Civil Rights Activism
After she returned home, her fight for equality continued. She was recognized by the NAACP and was one of the few woman to speak at the March on Washington. The NAACP later named May 20th as "Josephine Baker Day".
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