Dancer, singer, activist and spy, Josephine Baker was a star and a hero. Baker grew up poor, but her difficult beginnings didn't stop her from achieving success. Baker had major accomplishments for a black woman in her time; she was the first African American to star in a major motion picture. Baker was the first to join a concert in Las Vegas. Although Baker got his start during the Harlem Renaissance, his real claim to fame was his success in France. She was the first black woman to receive military honors in France. Thanks to his success in Europe, Baker was able to spy for the French resistance during World War II. Although Baker was very successful in France and enjoyed success during the Harlem Renaissance, she was not well received in the United States due to segregation and racism. Racism did not stop Baker from being part of the Harlem Renaissance. Josephine Baker was born to Carrie McDonald, in St. Louis, MO, on June 3, 1906. The situation on Baker's father is up for debate, it is rumored that Eddie Carson was her father. Eddie Carson was a drummer and had an entertainment act with Baker's mother. At birth, Baker was named Freda Josephine McDonald. (Robinson) Baker later changed her name when she entered the entertainment business. In her youth, Baker was always poorly dressed and hungry; she started working at the age of 8. (Whitaker 64) She worked as a domestic helper for a white family; the woman of the house was allegedly violent towards Baker. At the age of 12, Baker dropped out of school. After Baker dropped out of college, she became homeless. (Wood 241-318) While living on the streets, Baker, aged just 13, married Willie Wells. The couple divorced shortly after their marriage. (Story by Josephine Baker) Again, Baker be...... middle of paper ......n, Susan. “Josephine Baker.” Josephine Baker. Np, and Web. December 14, 2013. .Lewis, Jone J. “Josephine Baker.” About.com Women's History. Np, and Web. December 14, 2013. .Williams, Iain Cameron. Under a Harlem Moon: The Harlem Years in Paris by Adelaide Hall. London: Continuum, 2002. Print. Cullen, Frank, Florence Hackman and Donald McNeilly. Vaudeville, Old & New: An Encyclopedia of Variety Performers in America. New York: Routledge, 2007. “AllMusic” print. All music. Np, and Web. December 14, 2013. .Shaffer, Ann. "Josephine Baker: A Centennial Tribute | Blackgrooves.org." Joséphine Baker: a tribute to the centenary | Blackgrooves.org. Black Grooves, October 4, 2006. Web. December 14. 2013.