Freda Josephine Baker (née McDonald; June 3, 1906 – April 12, 1975), naturalized as Joséphine Baker, was an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress. Her career was centered primarily in Europe, mostly in France. She was the first black woman to star in a major motion picture, the 1927 French silent film Siren of the Tropics, directed by Mario Nalpas and Henri Étiévant. At 8 years old, Josephine began working as a live-in domestic for white families in St. Louis. One woman abused her, burning Josephine's hands when the young girl put too much soap in the laundry. At 11, she witnessed the devastating 1917 East St. Louis riots, a traumatic event that marked her childhood.

By 12, Josephine left school and lived on the streets, dancing for money. She had two brief marriages by age 15, using the surname Baker from her second husband professionally throughout her life. Despite her mother's disapproval, Josephine pursued a career in entertainment, joining vaudeville troupes and eventually moving to New York. Her talent led to international fame, particularly in France, where her career flourished. Despite the distance, she supported her family with gifts and financial aid. During World War II, Josephine Baker served as a spy for the French Resistance, using her fame to gather intelligence for the Deuxième Bureau. She charmed German, Italian, and Vichy officials at embassies and social events, relaying crucial information to French counterintelligence. After the German invasion of France, she sheltered Resistance members at her château and carried messages written in invisible ink on her sheet music while traveling under the guise of an entertainer. Relocating to North Africa in 1941, she continued her espionage and supported the Free French, even enduring severe health challenges, including a miscarriage and life-threatening infections. Post-war, Baker was honored with the Resistance Medal, Croix de Guerre, and the Légion d'honneur for her contributions. During her participation in the civil rights movement, Baker began to adopt children, forming a family which she often referred to as "The Rainbow Tribe". Baker wanted to prove that "children of different ethnicities and religions could still be brothers." Altogether she adopted 12 children!