Forever Ago: Josephine Baker – Diva and WWII Spy!

Introduction to the Mission Timestamp: [03:19]

In the latest episode of Forever Ago, host Joy Dolo is joined by Obasi from Oregon City, Oregon. The duo embarks on a mission to uncover the intriguing and lesser-known aspects of Josephine Baker's life. Assigned by their supervisor, Hannah Diamond, their task is to sift through historical details to reveal surprising facets of Baker’s legacy beyond her flamboyant performances.

Josephine Baker’s Early Life and Struggles Timestamp: [06:32]

Josephine Baker was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1906. Growing up in a deeply segregated United States, Baker faced intense racism and economic hardships. Obasi highlights, "Black people in the United States faced intense racism. Laws were made and enforced by white people," emphasizing the systemic challenges Baker endured (07:01). Despite these adversities, Baker discovered her passion for dancing, performing on the streets of St. Louis by the age of 13. Joy Dolo comments, "By the time she was 13, she was performing for people on the streets of St. Louis. Wow. I’ve never seen moves like that" (07:36).

Rise to Fame in New York Timestamp: [07:49]

In 1923, Baker moved to New York City to pursue her dancing career. This move coincided with the surge in popularity of the Charleston, a dance that captivated audiences across America. Baker's innovative take on the Charleston—characterized by her "limbs shot out every which way, and she made silly faces" (08:10)—quickly set her apart, leading to performances on prestigious stages, including Broadway. However, segregation laws still imposed limitations, with some theaters enforcing separate viewing areas for Black and white audiences (08:20).

Transition to Paris and European Acceptance Timestamp: [09:19]

Baker's big break came when a talent scout from France invited her to perform in Paris. Moving to Europe proved to be a transformative decision. Obasi notes, "From the moment she stepped off the boat in France, she knew things were different. Bonjour, mademoiselle" (09:40). In Paris, Baker was treated with respect and admiration, a stark contrast to her experiences in the United States. Her performances in Europe were met with enthusiasm, leading to sold-out shows and lavish gifts from adoring fans, including a live cheetah named Chiquita (10:07).

Josephine Baker as a Spy During World War II Timestamp: [19:22]

A pivotal revelation in the episode uncovers Josephine Baker's role as a spy during World War II. Utilizing her celebrity status as a cover, Baker infiltrated high-profile gatherings, including embassies and exclusive events. Obasi articulates the ingenious nature of her espionage work: "Josephine had this perfect cover. She was a huge celebrity, so no one suspected her. She could hide in plain sight" (22:35). Her handler, Jacques Abtet, posed as her manager, allowing Baker to gather and transmit critical information to the French resistance. To conceal her intelligence activities, she often wrote messages in invisible ink or hid them within her clothing, famously asserting, "no one would ever dare to search Josephine Baker" (23:05).

Impact and Legacy Timestamp: [25:12]

Baker's contributions extended beyond her espionage duties. After the war, she returned to the United States and became an outspoken advocate for civil rights. Her participation in the 1963 March on Washington, where she delivered a powerful speech alongside Martin Luther King Jr., underscored her lifelong commitment to equality. Obasi reflects, "She never stopped being a champion of equal rights in France and in the United States" (27:03), highlighting the enduring impact of her activism.

Conclusion Timestamp: [27:09]

The episode concludes with Joy Dolo and Obasi summarizing their findings, celebrating Josephine Baker's multifaceted legacy as both an iconic entertainer and a courageous spy. Their research not only sheds light on Baker's significant contributions during World War II but also her unwavering dedication to fighting for equality and justice.

Notable Quotes:

• Obasi on segregation: "Black people in the United States faced intense racism. Laws were made and enforced by white people." ([07:01])

• Joy Dolo on early performances: "By the time she was 13, she was performing for people on the streets of St. Louis. Wow. I’ve never seen moves like that." ([07:36])

• Obasi on Baker's espionage: "Josephine had this perfect cover. She was a huge celebrity, so no one suspected her. She could hide in plain sight." ([22:35])

• Obasi on civil rights advocacy: "She never stopped being a champion of equal rights in France and in the United States." ([27:03])

Final Thoughts This episode of Forever Ago masterfully blends historical facts with an engaging narrative, uncovering the lesser-known story of Josephine Baker's bravery and intelligence during a tumultuous period in history. It serves as a testament to Baker's enduring legacy as a performer and a patriot, inspiring listeners to appreciate the depth and complexity of historical figures often celebrated only for their public personas.