Josephine Baker Day

Born Josephine Freda MacDonald in St. Louis, Missouri on June 3, 1906, she was nicknamed “Tumpy” because she was a chubby baby. Her mother, Carrie MacDonald, was part black and part Apalachee Indian, while her father Eddie Carson was part black and part Spanish.

Josephine Baker became the first ever American woman awarded the Croix de Guerre. During World War II, the international star served as a spy for the Allied forces. For her service, she became the first American woman to be awarded the Croix de Guerre, a French military award for heroism.

Baker became one of the most sought-after performers due to her distinct dancing style and unique costumes. Although her audiences were mostly white, Baker's performances followed African themes and style. In her famed show Danse Sauvage she danced across stage in a banana skirt.