Profile Text
Birth Name: Freda Josephine McDonald
Date of Birth: June 3, 1906
Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Date of Death: 12 April, 1975
Place of Death: Paris, France
Ethnicity: African-American, other
Josephine Baker was an American-born entertainer, civil rights activist, and French Resistance agent.
She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., and became famous in France, also becoming a French citizen. Josephine’s mother was named Carrie McDonald. She was African-American. Josephine’s biological father is often identified as vaudeville drummer Eddie Carson. Her biological father has also been described as German, or as a Jewish travelling salesperson.
Josephine adopted twelve children.
Josephine’s mother was adopted by a couple in Arkansas, Richard McDonald and Elvira. Richard was born in Virginia. Elvira was born in Mississippi.
Sources: Genealogies of Josephine Baker (focusing on her mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com https://www.wikitree.com