169 Comments
User's avatar
Cycle for life's avatar

Perfect historical model for where we are today. Baker was a hero to few but a savior of thousands. Humility, empathy, kindness and caring exemplified! Regardless of the color of your skin, the language you speak, or the place you worship / or don’t, let’s all be clones of Josephine Baker!

grace c cosentino's avatar

Thank you for an inspiring read!!

Arkansas Blue's avatar

Also an inspiring read: "Josephine Baker's Secret War" by Hanna Diamond tells her story almost like a spy thriller. She was truly a hero.

Bob's avatar

My uncle just sent me: "Agent Josephine - American Beauty, French Hero, British Spy" by Damien Lewis.

The dedication page quote by Baker: "More is achieved by love than hate. Hate is the downfall of any race or nation."

Black Pearl (Slava Ukraini)'s avatar

Long been a fan of the amazing Josephine Baker, but didn't know thhat she was called "The Black Pearl" - a nickname I use because it is the translation of my given name: Nigel (from the Latin for 'black') and Pearl from the Yiddish name Perel - a 15th century female ancestor, from whom my family name is derived.

Thanks for sharing, Katie. Looking forward to your meeting in court with the horrendous Blanche.

SJR's avatar

Slava Ukraini!

Benji's avatar

This is the 1st time I’m hearing about J. Baker & I will never forget about her. I will pass on her story so her heroism won't be forgotten. Bravo 👏 👌 Miss Baker, Bravo 👏 🙏💙🩵🎉

Eva Camacho Guzman's avatar

I have heard this story before but reading it this morning still still got me choked up. I hope that I could do a fraction of what people like her did. I hope a lot of people do. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Tim Matchette's avatar

A lot of people will.

Wade Baynham's avatar

Thank you for this awesome reminder. Humanity needs all of us with a heart and a bit of courage.

Andrew Goldstein's avatar

Katie Phang, you bring to light the true meaning of heroism by telling the story of Josephine Baker. Thank you for what you are doing and how you do it during this dark chapter in American history. You and others are a blessing to everyone.

Thomas's avatar

I’m grateful to you for sharing this inspiring story, Katie. If I may be so bold, your own actions in pursuit of saving our democracy are making a difference right now. We all have a responsibility to act in whatever way we can in this fight; your leadership and courage is in the forefront of our collective struggle. Thank you!

Sharon C Storm's avatar

You’re absolutely correct! Katie Phang is a hero to the survivors and everyone else who believes in democracy and justice.

Thomas's avatar

When the survivors eventually get justice and we see the perp walks, that will bring me even more joy than the demise of this evil and cruel assortment of wretched conspirators. Alas, too many names to list

Richard Waddell's avatar

I remember reading a little about her, essentially that she had moved to France.

I learn so much from Katie, from Joyce, from Heather, from Aaron...astonishing what we get here, isn't it!

Stephen Wunderlich's avatar

👍🙏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

Merck Friedrike's avatar

Fantastic post. Inspired me to finally subscribe!

Sorry it took so long, you are a real American hero.

Annie Fairweather's avatar

Me too! Subscribing now!

sheryl jeffries's avatar

Josephine Baker was an awesome inspiration. She really was a true trendsetter at a time when the deck was set against her.

Thank you for the inspiration💙

LynnB's avatar

And an extra thanks for sharing the Youtube video of her classics. Something wonder to listen to on this Sunday morning.

Steve Forman's avatar

I knew none of this. What an incredible woman! So inspiring!

Vickie's avatar
1dEdited

One of many who did their part and fought against racism Although she died of natural causes most were murdered and no punishment ever served for the crime

Beryl's avatar

I cannot tell you how touched I was by this text. Things I never knew, even at my rather advanced age, seem to always be available to enlighten me and this most certainly did. Thank you!

Diane Robertson's avatar

I am a Katie Phang fan-super smart and tenacious. She has taken on Todd Blanche and so far, she’s winning. Yes to elevating/teaching about Josephine Baker.

Jake's avatar

Great piece and Great topic. Unlikely Heroes. Love it !

Just the prescription needed for every day American people to help support and uplift them. And ultimately inspire more Unlikely Heroes that reside everywhere. Stories that can light one’s own hidden flame. Thank you for sharing this Katie, your flame is in plain view .

Margaret MacDonald's avatar

What a beautiful, inspiring story! Thank you