Josephine Baker, a celebrated entertainer and civil rights activist, passed away on April 12, 1975 at the age of 68. Baker was born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, Missouri on June 3, 1906—the daughter of laundress Carrie McDonald. At the age of 13, she began dancing professionally during shows at the Booker T. Washington Theater in St. Louis, and at the age of 15, she received a call to perform at the Plantation Club in New York City. In 1925, she moved to Paris after being made an offer to perform at the Folies Bergère, a theater show in the city. It was in Paris that Josephine established her career, becoming a star of the stage. She was known for her "Banana Dance" during which she wore a skirt made of 16 bananas. As a result, she became the highest-paid performer in Europe at the time. She was an advocate for civil rights in the US and France. She became a French citizen in 1937, and during World War II she served in the French Resistance and was awarded the Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest honor. In her later years, Baker was a vowed member of the NAACP, had adopted 12 children from around the world and was an advocate of a global peace. Baker also traveled around the world to give performances. She passed away at the age of 68 due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Josephine Baker’s distinctive and incredible career left an impact on the world of music and entertainment. She will be remembered for her courage, generosity, and commitment to making a difference.