When The Third Institute shared that this month’s Roots “shero” would be Josephine Baker, I was super excited! What a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month. This woman was AMAZING. I mean, #confidencegoals amazing.

In addition to being a successful singer, dancer and actress in France, Baker worked for the Red Cross during World War II. She cared for patients and entertained troops. She also worked as a spy, smuggling messages for the French Resistance in her sheet music! Josephine Baker was also known for her work as a Civil Rights activist and was the only female speaker at the 1963 March on Washington. She was also known as “mom” to her 12 children, who Baker adopted from around the world.

Learn all about this fascinating shero at the next Roots program on Saturday, March 27 at 1:30 p.m. on Zoom! Then check out these books to learn more!

Book cover featuring the title "Fashion Rebels" with illustrations of four women in distinct, stylish outfits and masks, highlighting fashion icons. Author: Carlyn Cerniglia Beccia.

Fashion Rebels: Style Icons Who Changed the World Through Fashion by Carlyn Beccia

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Illustrated book cover of "Jazz Age Josephine" showing a woman in a blue flapper dress dancing, with a leopard lying next to her on a red background.

Jazz Age Josephine by Jonah Winter

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Illustrated book cover of "Josephine" shows a woman in a yellow dress with a pearl necklace, standing next to a leopard, with award badges and author and illustrator names.

Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell

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Book cover with the title "JOSEPHINE'S DREAM," showing a young girl in a white blouse and black dress, with colored lights in the background.

Josephine’s Dream by Joan Betty Stuchner

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Book cover for "Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History" by Vashti Harrison, featuring illustrated portraits of five women in historical and professional attire.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison

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Book cover for "The Many Faces of Josephine Baker" featuring a photo of Baker in costume, with smaller black-and-white photos and the subtitle "Dancer, Singer, Activist, Spy" by Peggy Caravantes.

The Many Faces of Josephine Baker: Dancer, Singer, Activist, Spy by Peggy Caravantes

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Book cover of "Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the World" featuring illustrated portraits of various women in colorful panels.

Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World a graphic collection from Kazoo Magazine

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Cover of "Dream Big, Little One" by Vashti Harrison, featuring three illustrated girls dressed as a doctor, astronaut, and teacher, standing side by side.

Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

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