Josephine, The Spy
One Mic Black History Newsletter #20
Welcome to the One Mic History Newsletter. We deeply appreciate your support. Today, we're exploring the intriguing story surrounding Freda Josephine Baker and her journey to becoming a spy for the French Resistance.
In the late 1930s, Europe was on the brink of war, and France was urgently seeking individuals who could gather intelligence on the movements and plans of the Axis powers. It was during this tense period that France's military intelligence service turned to an unlikely candidate for espionage: the American-born dancer and singer, Josephine Baker. Known as “La Baker” to her fans, she was given the codename “Rose Bouclier” which translates to “Shield Rose”.
Born into poverty in St. Louis in 1906, she faced racial discrimination from a young age. Married at thirteen and with little formal education, her path seemed set for hardship. However, at nineteen, her fortunes changed as she was invited to Paris with an all-black revue. In Paris, Baker found a level of freedom and acceptance she had never known. Dramatically different from the segregated United States, France became her sanctuary. Her performances captivated Parisian audiences, and she quickly rose to stardom, becoming one of the most celebrated entertainers in France.
This remarkable journey from the slums of St. Louis to the stages of Paris made her an unexpected but perfect candidate for French espionage. Her fame served as the ideal cover; it allowed her to mingle with diplomats and high-ranking officials without suspicion. When approached by Jaques Abtey, the head of France's military intelligence service, to serve her adopted country, Baker didn’t hesitate.
She famously stated, “France has given me all I have and I am forever thankful. Therefore, I am prepared to give my life as a gesture of my gratitude. Please make use of me in any way that you see fit.”
Using her celebrity status, Baker attended lavish parties at embassies, gathering information from unsuspecting Axis officials. Her wit and charm allowed her to record sensitive conversations discreetly, often scribbling notes on her skin or pinning them inside her clothing, confident in the knowledge that her celebrity status would prevent anyone from conducting a thorough search on her person.
As the war intensified and France fell under Nazi occupation, Baker's chateau became a hub for resistance activity. She hosted and provided aid to resistance fighters, using her performances as a cover for her espionage work. With the Nazis growing suspicious, Baker and Abtey devised a plan to smuggle vital information to the Free French government in London, disguising their departure as a tour to South America. Baker cleverly concealed secret photographs and documents, ensuring they reached the hands of the Allies.
Even when faced with serious health challenges and hospitalization, Baker continued her involvement in the war effort, using her hospital room as a meeting place for resistance members and keeping a watchful eye on the unfolding situation.
Following the liberation of Paris, Baker's role in the French resistance was celebrated. She was recognized for her bravery and contributions with France’s highest military honors, the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor. When Baker passed away in 1975, France mourned the loss of a national hero. Over 20,000 people lined the streets of Paris for her funeral procession, and she was honored with a 21-gun salute.
Today, Josephine Baker's legacy lives on, not only as an entertainer but as a symbol of resistance, courage, and the fight for freedom and equality. Her final resting place at the Pantheon monument in Paris marks her as the first Black woman to receive this prestigious honor, a testament to her extraordinary life and the impact she had on the world.
Thank you for joining us today. For more engaging stories, visit One Mic History. Your continued support is greatly appreciated, we love you all.
-Countryboi