Beyonce is arguably the most influential artist at the moment. Her success would not be possible without Baker preciously paving the road
Josephine Baker has influenced performers such as Beyonce. As seen in the picture above Beyonce is paying tribute to Baker, proving her influence
Thesis Statement: Why was Josephine Baker able to express her own actions and opinions to influence many in her time and after? Josephine Baker was able to express her own actions and opinions to influence others because she was unafraid of being judged and was able to live in a society (France) where religion was not the main influence (where it was in America).
“We've got to show that blacks and whites are treated equally in the army. Otherwise, what's the point of waging war on Hitler?” - Josephine Baker
"I wanted to be more like Josephine Baker…she seemed like she was just possessed, and it seemed like she just danced from her heart, and everything was so free."—Beyoncé Achievements:
Transmission of culture
Living in France opened a world of options for Baker. The color of her skin was no longer an obsticle, but instead a gift that allowed her to flourish. She easily transitioned into the parian culture which allowed her to succeed and along the way make up her own rules and redefine sterotypes
Humanitarian
Baker did freuent charity work in Paris, appearing at benefits as well as being generally helpful.
War efforts
During World War II, Josephine worked as a Red Cross nurse and an underground courier for the French Resistance. She also entertained troops as a sublieutenant in the women's auxiliary of the Free French forces.
Civil rights activist Despite her attachment to Paris, Josephine felt it was her duty to help the civil rights movement in America. She wouldn't perform in theaters that discriminated. Baker also refused to go on stage until blacks were allowed to sit in the same areas as whites. She spoke at the March on Washington in 1963.
Children of the world Josephine did not have children of her own, so she started an adopted family called "Rainbow Tribe." She wanted to prove that children of different and nationalities could live together.