Josephine Baker, born 1906, was an entertainer, activist, and French Resistance agent. Her career in entertainment was centered primarily in France. During her early career she was renowned as a dancer, perhaps the most famous of the entire Jazz Age, and became famous for her so-called banana suit.
No, not that one.
This one.
During World War Dos, she was a member of the French resistance, and became a prominent figure in France's opposition to the Nazi menace. She wasn't a big fan of racism or segregation, and refused to perform for segregated audiences, which is kind of neat. She also liked cats, so I guess we have something in common.
Kitty
Although she lived in France, Josephine supported the Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1950s. When she arrived in New York with her husband, they were refused reservations at 36 hotels because of racial discrimination. She became a prominent figure of the movement, and was seen alongside Dr. King.
The moral of this story, I suppose, is that it doesn't matter who you are. It doesn't matter if you're poor or a celebrity, you're a human being. You have an opinion. I spent the longest time thinking celebrities weren't down to earth, but that isn't true.
Chiquita, please don't sue me, it's a nice banana costume.
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