Josephine Baker: A life full of resistance

In 2025, it will be fifty years since Josephine Baker, one of the most famous Black artists of the twentieth century, died. She fled the racist United States to work in Paris as a dancer and singer. Baker was ahead of her time as an activist for equal rights. She was also active in the resistance against Nazi Germany and had a connection with the Netherlands. From 18 April, the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam will show this in the exhibition Josephine Baker: a life full of resistance.

Born in 1906 in Saint Louis, Missouri, Josephine Baker grew up in poverty and in a society marked by racism and segregation. As a young girl, she developed a passion for dance and theater, which eventually took her to Paris. There, she broke through as a world star, best known for her revolutionary performances, such as the famous Danse Sauvage with the iconic banana skirt. Her success in France marked a breakthrough at a time when black artists rarely received recognition.

In addition to her artistic career, Baker was a passionate activist. During World War II, she joined the French Resistance. She used her celebrity to smuggle secret information and worked as a spy for the Allies. Her courage and dedication in the fight against Nazi Germany were later recognized with several honors. In 2021, she was buried with great honors in the Panthéon in Paris, becoming the first black woman.

After the war, Baker continued to work for civil rights and equality. She adopted twelve children from different countries, her so-called "rainbow family", to put her ideals of world peace and equality into practice. She continued to fight against racism, both in the United States and in Europe. In 1963, she marched with Martin Luther King in the  March on Washington,  where she was the only female speaker.

The exhibition at the Resistance Museum offers an overview of Josephine Baker's multifaceted life and legacy. It highlights her childhood in America, her artistic triumphs in Paris, her contribution to the resistance during World War II, and her lasting influence as a champion of equal rights. Her rainbow family and her special bond with the Netherlands are also discussed.

Finally, the exhibition pays special attention to the great influence that Josephine Baker has had on later generations. Her iconic appearance and self-confident charisma are still an important source of inspiration for fashion and pop culture today. World stars such as Beyoncé, Madonna and Diana Ross have been directly inspired by her. Jean Paul Gaultier, Prada and Dior have reflected her daring style in their designs. The exhibition also shows work by Dutch dancer/choreographer Sedrig Verwoert and artist/fashion designer Lissa Brandon, who have allowed their creations to be influenced by Baker's unique vision and legacy.

[Source (Original or ML Translation): Verzets Resistance Museum]