On December 30, 2024, Trica Keaton appeared on the Dutch television show Andere Tijden to share her expertise on the life of Josephine Baker.
Crédit photo : Trica Keaton
A special episode devoted to Josephine Baker…
On December 30, 2024, the Dutch history program Andere Tijden (Other Times) aired a special episode titled The Dreams of Josephine Baker. This program celebrates the life and legacy of Josephine Baker – legendary Franco-American artist, decorated WWII resistance fighter, and civil rights activist. The episode is the brainchild of historian and Andere Tijden presenter Astrid Sy and director-writer Femke van Wiggen, both deeply connected to Baker’s enduring fight against injustice. Sy’s grandmother translated Baker’s children’s book The Rainbow Tribe, and Van Wiggen is currently writing a book about Baker also inspired by her 2021 induction into the historic Panthéon that Van Wiggen witnessed.
… with the participation of Trica Keaton, Iméra fellow
In this special, Trica Keaton, holder of the FIAS/Iméra residency for 2024-2025, joins Sy and Van Wiggen at Château des Milandes, Baker’s enchanting castle in the Dordogne region of France. Keaton shares her expertise on Baker’s life, her groundbreaking vision, and the unique world she created with her twelve adopted “rainbow children.” The episode features contributions from two of Baker’s sons, Akio and Brian, as well as reflections from Keaton and Sy. Together, they explore Baker’s experiences with racism in America, her daring work for the French Resistance, her historic speech and remarkable role at the 1963 March on Washington where she was the only woman to address the crowd.
Replay is available here. Content warning: graphic scenes of lynchings and other forms of violence.
Andere Tijden, a program of Dutch public broadcaster NPO and produced by NTR, delves into stories from recent history during 50-minute episodes. Focused on connecting historical events to contemporary issues, the program uncovers remarkable and lesser-known stories, presenting fresh insights and previously unseen footage in the Netherlands. Hosted by historian Astrid Sy, Andere Tijden continues to illuminate the past while offering perspectives relevant to today.
