Josephine Baker — Quotes

“I want to be remembered as the woman who used her career to fight for civil rights and human dignity.”

— Josephine Baker · Baker frequently spoke about her mission to use her platform as an entertainer to advance the cause of racial equality throughout her life.

“The two of us, we integrated Kansas City at a lunch counter—we just went and sat down.”

— Josephine Baker · Baker participated in sit-ins and direct action protests during the Civil Rights Movement, including efforts to integrate public establishments.

“I have two loves: my country and Paris.”

— Josephine Baker · Baker expressed her deep affection for France, which embraced her as an artist when the United States rejected her due to racial discrimination.

“I was born in poverty, but that did not stop me from reaching for my dreams.”

— Josephine Baker · Baker often reflected on her humble beginnings in St. Louis and how she overcame childhood hardship through determination and talent.

“You make a choice: continue living your life threatened, or take the chance and have freedom.”

— Josephine Baker · Baker spoke about the courage required to stand against injustice and the personal risks she took as a civil rights activist.

“I will always fight for what I believe in, even if it means standing alone.”

— Josephine Baker · Baker expressed her unwavering commitment to her principles during the dangerous period of FBI surveillance and blacklisting in the 1950s.

“My skin may be black, but my heart is French, and my mission is human.”

— Josephine Baker · Baker captured her identity as a woman of multiple nations united by the universal cause of human rights and equality.

“Dance is communication, and I have always used my body to speak what words sometimes cannot.”

— Josephine Baker · Baker explained how her innovative performances and choreography conveyed messages of beauty, strength, and resistance to racial stereotypes.