JOSEPHINE BAKER DAY - A PRESTIGIOUS MOMENT IN HISTORY

PRESTIGIOUS MOMENT IN HISTORY

 

This prestigious moment in history is indeed a convergence of history itself. In 2021 Josephine Baker by presidential decree was inducted into the Pantheon as the first woman of African descent and the celebration of her and thst historic accolade continues still in 2024 in several forms from buildings being named after her, documentaries, books, musicals and movies being made about her life, expositions around the world being presented on her and so much more. In 1924 the Olympics were held in Paris, France, in addition the great African American writer who made Paris his home for several years and who, through his writings brought more recognition to Paris, was born that year on August 2, 1924. His name is James Baldwin. This 2024 is the Centennial of this prolific writer, civil rights activist, acclaimed essayist, novelist, playwright, poet and also friend of Josephine Baker, and the Olympic as well as the Paralympic Games 2024 are being held in Paris. The theme song announcing the Olympics being held in Paris was that of a heart-swelling remix of Josephine Baker’s most famous song "J'AI DEUX AMOUR. Thus we felt it the prime moment to celebrate, announce and to officially open a physical building for the Musée Josephine Baker et des Afro-Descendants de Paris.

 

Our chosen day for the opening is also historically important. May 20, 2024 will be the 73rd anniversary of JOSEPHINE BAKER DAY. The day is swiftly approaching but it is an important day. 

 

JOSEPHINE BAKER DAY: The NAACP declared Sunday, May 20, 1951 "Josephine Baker Day" to honor Baker's work to advance civil rights.

 

On Friday, May 20, 2022 for the first time ever in Europe– Josephine Baker Day was celebrated in Paris by our museum.

 

 https://www.entreetoblackparis.com/blog/first-josephine-baker-day-celebration-in-paris

 

Thus we thought it a fitting day for our opening. The push to open what is intended to be a gallery, scaled back version of our museum of selected items from our 4,000 plus pieces collection, is to insure the world's eyes and support towards our work of sharing the rich history of Afro-Descendants' stories in Paris and France.

(visual example: https://youtu.be/Q-Od0wkrfC4si=OPRR6MAifPhkeuEI)

 

 With the Olympics Games slated for this Fri, Jul 26, 2024 – Sun, Aug 11, 2024, the Paralympic Games Wed, Aug 28

2024- Sun, Sep 8, 2024, James Baldwin's Centennial Festival September 9-13, 2024, Josephine Baker's most famous song "J'AI DEUX AMOURS"  being the Paris theme song for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. [Les Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques de Paris 2024 France Télévision (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfBX9dDEhy8 ], as well as Josephine Baker's Centennial of her arrival to Paris 2025, this is the moment. And in order to achieve success of our initial goals we are humbly asking for any and all help that might be provided to us for our opening on May 20, 2024 JOSEPHINE BAKER DAY.

 

The Musée Joséphine Baker et des Afro-Descendants de Paris has the hope of opening to the public by finding a location in one of the following areas. Saint Ouen where Josephine Baker's 11th child was born and has a beautifully diverse community, a school named after here, many visitors connected to the love of history due to the MARCHER AUX PUCE of SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, as well as Olympic Athletes who are slated to be housed in this area as well as in nearby St. Denis. Our other desired location, as an option, is in one of the most iconic neighborhoods where Black History was made during the 1920s. The area of Pigalle, the 9th and 18th Arrondissements of Paris, has often fondly been called the Harlem of Montmartre. For example Josephine Baker’s First Cabaret is located in, and is part of this area's local history. The first ever museum dedicated to Josephine Baker in Paris finding a home in the most visited of all areas of Paris by tourists, which also happens to be an area where many Black Histories are heavily concentrated, would go well together. Especially as many tourists who visit that historical landscape are unaware of the rich Afro-Descendants' histories there.

 

WE NEED SUPPORT

 

"We acknowledge and deeply appreciate the ongoing support from our dedicated followers and supporters. However, to further our mission, we are in need of assistance in the following areas:

 

Location: We seek a space of at least 50m², ideally already equipped to host visitors and display artifacts securely.

 

Financial Support: Funding is required for publicity and advertising, security measures from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM possibly 7 days a week, procurement of mounting materials and display cases for artifacts, essential resources for accommodating paying clients, and hiring a web designer and graphic artist.Your support in these areas would be invaluable as we strive to realize our vision. Thank you for considering our needs."

 

We are thankful to the following supporters whom we hope will inspire you to join their efforts in supporting our work.

 

Lisa Simone & Family (Daughter of Nina Simone) 

 

Catherine Renard & Pauline Jonkman (Studio Harcourt)

 

Camay Calloway, Cecelia Calloway, Peter Calloway(Family of Cab & Blanche Calloway)

 

Marla & Angela Gibbs (Black Hollywood Legends)

 

As well as our silent donors, volunteers, and clients who supported us through taking our historic walking tours.