Josephine Baker

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Josephine Baker's achievements are nothing short of historic. She was the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture and the first Black woman inducted into the Panthéon, the highest distinction in France. Her induction in 2021 marked a pivotal moment in recognizing the contributions of Black women to French history. She was also the first Black woman to headline the Folies Bergère, a feat that broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry. Her adoption of twelve children from diverse backgrounds, known as the "Rainbow Tribe," was a radical act of defiance against segregation and racism. These accomplishments, combined with her wartime espionage and civil rights activism, solidify her status as a true icon of the 20th century.

AwardsJosephine Baker received numerous prestigious awards throughout her life and posthumously. She was awarded the Resistance Medal and the Croix de Guerre for her bravery during World War II. She was named a Knight of the Legion of Honour by General Charles de Gaulle. In 1952, she received the NAACP Spingarn Medal for outstanding achievement by an African American. Posthumously, she was inducted into the Panthéon in Paris on November 30, 2021, becoming the first Black woman to receive this honor. She also received an honorary doctorate from Howard University and the French National Order of Merit.

Honours & Distinctions

Induction into the Panthéon

French Republic·2021

First Black woman inducted into the Panthéon in Paris

Key to the City

City of Paris·1968

Received key to the city of Paris

Key to the City

City of New Orleans·1952

Received key to the city of New Orleans

Honorary Doctorate

Howard University·1968

Honorary degree for outstanding achievement

Guinness World Record

Guinness World Records·1952

First Black woman to star in a major motion picture

Rankings & Lists

#12

Greatest Performers of the 20th Century

Rolling Stone·2020

#35

100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century

TIME Magazine·1999

Top Entertainers of All Time

VH1·2002

Magazine Covers

Time Magazine

1930-06-15

The Black Venus

Vogue

1927-08-01

The Creole Goddess

Ebony

1952-10-01

A Trailblazer's Journey

Records & Feats

First Black Woman in Panthéon

Historic First·2021

First Black woman to be inducted into the Panthéon in Paris

First Black Woman in Major Motion Picture

Film Milestone·1927

First Black woman to star in a major motion picture, Siren of the Tropics

First Black Headliner at Folies Bergère

Career Milestone·1926

First Black woman to headline the Folies Bergère