| Baker, Josephine 1906-1975. American-born French entertainer who became a popular jazz dancer and singer in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s. During World War II she worked for the French Resistance. |
A twentieth-century African-American actress, dancer, singer, and civil rights activist. She gained her international reputation first in Europe. After World War II she was decorated by the French government for her work in the Resistance, and at her death she was given a state funeral as a war hero.