Hello Meltingpot Readers,
Today I’m introducing a new feature here on the Meltingpot called My American Meltingpot History, where I’ll be highlighting some of the most Meltingpot moments in our nation’s past. Because mainstream history books and the lessons many of us were taught in school emphasized a segregated version of American history, many people don’t know just how “integrated” or diverse our history really is. The idea that neighborhoods have always been segregated along racial lines, or that interracial marriage didn’t become a thing until after Richard and Mildred Loving won their court case in 1967, or that Latinos and Asian Americans are newcomers to this land, is all just racist propaganda. White supremacy can only be maintained if people believe that we can’t all just get along. But we totally can and have been for a really long time! So, I’m just trying to spread the word.
Today’s Meltingpot history lesson actually takes place in France, but it features one my favorite American heroes, Ms. Josephine Baker, who would have turned 112 years old yesterday on June 3rd. Black, American, actress, singer, dancer, Parisian ex-pat, WWII spy. Josephine’s life story is inspirational on so many levels. She did so much and defied all of the limitations placed on her as a Black woman from St. Louis. Many people know the broad brush strokes of Josephine’s career accomplishments, but they don’t know she was also a mother to 12 children adopted from different countries all over the world. She referred to her family as the Rainbow Tribe and she was deliberately trying to create a racial utopia to prove to the world that people of different races could live together in harmony. Take that Angelina Jolie.
I have read many books about Josephine Baker and watched movies and documentaries based on her life, but hadn’t ever really seen anything that focused on her family. Until now. I recently discovered this episode of The Nod podcast titled, Josephine and The Amazing Technicolor Rainbow Tribe. Not only does the show delve into Josephine’s reasons for adopting her children, as well as uncovering some unflattering aspects of her utopia, we also get to hear from one of her children who shares what life was like growing up with the Great Josephine as a mother. We also get to hear from Josephine herself!
It’s a great podcast and I learned a lot from listening. And I maintained my admiration and awe for this amazing – albeit complex and flawed – woman. Check out this short video and learn more about Baker’s colorful family and sadly, how it fell apart.
What do you think about Josephine’s intentions to create a racial utopia? I’d love to hear your thoughts. You know, I’m totally listening.
Peace!
Comments
4 responses to “MAMP History: Josephine Baker and the Original Rainbow Coalition”
Thanks, Barbara. I’m adding The Color of Law to my TBR pile for the summer!
As Lori knows, my daughter married an Israeli man and they have 2 daughters. They lived in Israel, where their primary language was Hebrew, until the girls were almost 5 and almost 3 1/2, when they moved to England. Their father was shocked at how quickly their Hebrew deteriorated. However through keeping up the same system that Lori and her husband have, where the parents speak their own native language to the girls, and the girls are supposed to reply in the same language, plus visiting Israel at least once a year, the girls have kept up their Hebrew and the older girl is almost completely fluent in it. The younger one is not as fluent but can carry on a conversation in Hebrew. It is a wonderful gift to learn a second language in the home!
Barbara,
Thank you for sharing. It always amazes me how quickly language abilities are learned and lost, not only in our children but in ourselves. I’m so glad the girls have been able to retain their Hebrew. As adults they will certainly appreciate the gift that it is.
When I read in your 6/4 post, “The idea that neighborhoods have always been segregated along racial lines… is all just racist propaganda” – that is exactly what I am reading right now in “The Color of Law” by Richard Rothstein. Many neighborhoods WERE integrated, but the federal, state and local governments insisted on segregation in public housing and neighborhoods through laws and mortgage rules they set up. My son and daughter-in-law gave me the book, and when I finish reading it, I am donating it to the MLK Library in White Plains NY.