Surely someone named Josèphine Baker must have a remarkable story behind them. Right here on Rue Joséphine Baker in Lyon we celebrate a truly multifaceted woman. She was a dancer a resistant and an anti-racist activist.
The street was inaugurated in her honor in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement. This was to celebrate the American-born French artist. She died in 1975.
Brian Bouillon Baker her son expressed his pride. He said it was an honor that his mother was an example of republican values. He also noted it was a recognition from the country she chose and loved.
Christopher Crawford the US Consul in Lyon highlighted her representation of hope life diversity and inclusion. He emphasized her fight against injustice. Josèphine Baker entered the Panthéon in November 2021 46 years after her death.
The street itself begins on Rue Teppaz. It ends on Route de Vienne opposite number 23. An alley runs alongside the student residence. This provides access to 133 Avenue Berthelot when the gates are open.
Rue Joséphine Baker curves around a residence for the elderly. The building is a six-story beige structure. It features projecting metal windows. A rest area is furnished with benches.
On the west side stands a white building with gray bricks. Three additional gray two-story blocks are visible above. Number 14 on the south side is black. It is decorated with metal stars.
The alley leading to Avenue Berthelot is a garden area. It branches out and serves a colorful second residence. Freda Joséphine Mac Donald was born on June 3 1906 in Saint Louis Missouri. She died on April 12 1975 in Paris.
She is honored as a music hall artist. She also was a sub-lieutenant in the Free French Forces. Further she was a humanist and philanthropist. Joséphine Baker adopted her stage name through marriage.
She began her career as a dancer. Then she came to France in 1925. She achieved considerable success at the Théâtre des Champs Elysées. She also played at the Folies Bergères. She toured many countries.
She became a French citizen in 1937. She joined the secret services during the war. She served as a lieutenant in the air force. Later she adopted twelve children from diverse backgrounds. This illustrated her rejection of racism. She also advocated for civil rights in the United States. Her home the Château des Milandes in Dordogne is open to visitors.
Joséphine Baker performed in Lyon. She appeared at the Palais d’Hiver. She also appeared at the Théâtre des Célestins. In 2019 various organizations created alternative street plaques. These plaques paid tribute alongside official municipal tributes.
The Cimade placed a plaque on Rue Basse Combalot. It honored Joséphine Baker as someone born elsewhere. Still she is considered to be of here. Noustoutes honored other women artists. Florence Henri’s plaque was placed on Rue Chevrier. These followed earlier tributes in the first arrondissement. These paid homage to transgender people affected by violence.
Rue Joséphine Baker was opened shortly before 2014. During the 20th century the area was industrial. Today the area provides housing for senior citizens and students. The residence Le Perl at 8 Rue Joséphine Baker was built in 2013. It contains 33 apartments across two buildings.
This street in Lyon is a testament to her enduring legacy. Joséphine Baker’s spirit of resilience creativity and activism lives on inspiring us all to fight for a more just and equitable world.