Josephine Baker - the pride of Paris (via St. Louis, Missouri...)

I've always loved the fact that Josephine Baker, a definite source of pride for Parisians, was not only American, but middle-American no less!

I also like that she could REALLY shake her booty - long before Beyonce.   Who could ever forget that banana dance?!?!

Born Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, Missouri in 1906, her heyday was in the 1920's.  She was best known as a dancer and a showgirl, but she fancied herself a singer as well.

She was a beautiful woman, who definitely owned her own sexuality (as much as one could in that era....).  I didn't realize though, that she had such a big heart as well.  In her life, she adopted 12 children from many different nations, and called them her "rainbow tribe."  Look out Brad & Angelina!!

Her activism was something she was also known for.  Later in her life, while touring in the States, she refused to perform for segregated audiences and, in turn, became instrumental in some venues integrating.

I always love women who are a little ahead of their time.  I'm sure if she was younger in the sixties, she would probably have been a Playboy bunny, who knows.......

You go girl!!