Youth

Josephine Baker’s given name was Freda Josephine McDonald.

She was born in St. Louis Missouri on June 3, 1906.

Josephine’s parents were Carrie McDonald– a washerwoman– and Eddie Carson– a vaudeville drummer.

Eddie left Josephine and her mother shortly after she was born.

Josephine’s mother later married Arthur Martin, who raised Josephine along with her brother and two sisters.

Josephine began working as a live-in maid and babysitter at age 8.

She worked for rich white families, which taught her from a young age about racial inequality and injustice.

Josephine dropped out of school early and lived on the streets for a time.

Josephine began working as a waitress at age 13 at The Old Chauffeurs Club.

At age 13 she married Willie Wells, but the couple divorced soon after.

In 1921, at age 15, Josephine married Willie Baker. They too divorced soon after.

Josephine kept the last name Baker because it was the name she began to accrue fame with.