Born into poverty in St. Louis, Missouri in 1906, the talented and charismatic young Josephine strived to make it as an entertainer, dancing and performing comedic skits in clubs and on the street. Despite the racial injustices she faced, Baker eventually found success on Broadway, although her big break came later in 1925 after moving to Paris. Considered an “exotic flower” in that country, she became one of the most popular and wealthiest performers in all of Europe. During WWII, this remarkable woman also worked as a spy for the French Resistance earning her top military honors. In 1950, she began adopting children from around the world, 12 in total, demonstrating that people of different races could in fact live harmoniously together. An ardent civil rights activist, in 1963, Baker participated alongside Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington and was among the notable speakers that day. Fearless and outspoken, Josephine Baker used her platform to help change the world. “All my life, I have maintained that the people of the world can learn to live together in peace if they are not brought up in prejudice.” ~ Josephine Baker