World War II was on the horizon and Josephine served France in several ways, as a performer for the troops, engaging in undercover work by smuggling secret messages written on her music sheets and a sub-lieutenant in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. She was later awarded the Medal of the Resistance with Rosette and named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French government for hard work and dedication. It was during her time performing that she met and married French orchestra leader Jo Bouillon in 1947.

During the 50's, when McCarthyism was in full-swing, Josephine was told she was no longer welcome in the U.S, despite being extremely popular in France. In a renewed effort to fight racism, she was refused service in New York's Stork Club and waged a full media battle with pro-segregation journalist Walter Winchell. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) named May 20 Josephine Baker Day in honor of her efforts. Continuing to tour in the US, she refused to place in segregated nightclubs, helping to integrate the Las Vegas nightclubs.

Her longing need for motherhood prompted Josephine to begin to adopt children with her husband JO, since she was unable to have her own. Strongly believing in equality for all, no matter what nationality, religion or race, she adopted twelve children. Called "The Rainbow Tribe" they came from all over the globe: Aiko (Korea), Luis (Colombia), Janot (Japan), Jari (Finland), Jean-Claude (Canada), Moses (French), Marianne (France), Noel (France), Brahim (Arab), Mara (Venezuela), Koffi (the Ivory-Coast), Stellina (Morocco).

During the late 60's, Josephine began to have financial problems and was offered a home by Princess Grace in Monaco. She retired from performing in 1968.

Divorced from her fourth husband, she met American artist Robert Brady in 1973. The two shared a close personal bond by exchanging marriage vows in an empty church. No clergy were present and the two were never legally wed, but maintained this important relationship until her death.

She agreed to perform at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1974, and despite her hesitation since her last performances in the US, she was delighted to find that racial barriers had begun to break down and she received a 15 minute standing ovation before her show began. The following year, she appeared at the Bobino Theater in Paris in a celebration of her 50 years career. Her close friend Princess Grace of Monaco and Sophia Loren were in attendance to see 68-year-old Josephine perform a medley of her routines. The reviews were among her best ever. Only a few days into the run, Josephine suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and slipped into a coma. She passed away on April 12 at 5:00 am.

Despite the tremendous highs and lows of her life, Josephine always came out on top. She loved to perform and as quoted she did so until the day she died.

Josephine Baker biography - page one