Josephine Baker

Beyond Beauty: The First Black Superstar Onstage – A French Resistance Spy Offstage

"I did take the blows [of life], but I took them with my chin up, in dignity, because I so profoundly love and respect humanity." -Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker was much more than just a pretty face. For her, performance was resistance. On stage, she made history as the first Black superstar. She redefined beauty, tackled racism, and encouraged acceptance of women's bodies. Offstage, she was a fearless French Resistance spy and outspoken Civil Rights activist. She risked her life to fight the Nazis, even under the spotlight.