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How Did Josephine Baker Impact Society

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How Did Josephine Baker Impact Society
Freda Josephine McDonald better known as Josephine Baker. Not only was a magnificent entertainer, French spy, and Woman and African American civil rights activist. Mrs. Baker may be overlooked as just “one of those old school singers and dancers”. Most people would not even think that she was “a woman who was buried with military honors” (Biography.com, 2016). And to top it off, her endless contribution to bring peace towards the racist attacks thrown at her and others. Through acts of civil disobedience which I believe positively reforms a society until violence is acted upon further leading to negative impact. All throughout her successful career, in which she remained standing to impact our society in a way that should never be forgotten. Sounds like a story worth hearing.
Mrs. Baker began her life in St. Louis, Missouri on June 3, 1906. Her upbringing began in poverty without a father’s aid. As early as age 8 she started working in rich White homes doing babysitting and cleaning duties; to sustain her extensive family. Growing tired of the prejudice, she decided to embark on her own at age 13. Baker found her passion of dancing and singing while working as a club waitress. By 1919, she gained her first few gigs
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Baker often came back to the United States to provide further support towards the on-going Civil Rights Movement. For example, “Baker participated in demonstrations and boycotts of segregated clubs and concert venues.” In addition to, “In 1963, Baker participated, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., in the March on Washington, and was among the many notable speakers that day.” Rewarded from her accomplishments of being a noble member of the NAACP. She was entitled to Josephine Baker Day which is May 20th (Biography.com, 2016). Mrs. Baker is a type of role model that needs to be more vastly recognized. I say, Josephine Baker is as much of an “appropriate activist” in our African American history than any

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