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!

Josephine Baker: Activist, Entertainer and WWII Spy, Fountaindale Public Library

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

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Josephine Baker: Activist, Entertainer and WWII Spy, Fountaindale Public Library

Jazz Age Josephine by Jonah Winter

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Josephine Baker: Activist, Entertainer and WWII Spy, Fountaindale Public Library

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

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Josephine Baker: Activist, Entertainer and WWII Spy, Fountaindale Public Library

Josephine’s Dream by Joan Betty Stuchner

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Josephine Baker: Activist, Entertainer and WWII Spy, Fountaindale Public Library

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison

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Josephine Baker: Activist, Entertainer and WWII Spy, Fountaindale Public Library

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

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Josephine Baker: Activist, Entertainer and WWII Spy, Fountaindale Public Library

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

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Josephine Baker: Activist, Entertainer and WWII Spy, Fountaindale Public Library

Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

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