Josephine Baker's Son To Speak At Museum Exhibit Honoring His Mother & Black History Month

Jean-Claude Baker, ADOPTED SON OF FAMED INTERNATIONAL ICON, Josephine Baker, TO BE GUEST SPEAKER AT THE WORLD EROTIC ART MUSEUM, FEBRUARY 8, AT A MAJOR EXHIBIT HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF THE LEGENDARY AMERICAN-BORN ENTERTAINER WHO DANCED AT THE "FOLIES BERGERE" AND BECAME THE "TOAST OF PARIS"   

Jean-Claude Baker, who at age 14 became the adopted son of the legendary international star, Josephine Baker, will be the speaker and a major highlight of an evening reception, which will launch the month long exhibit held annually by owner-curator Naomi Wilzig to honor Black History Month and African Art, Monday, February 8, 7 P.M. at the World Erotic Art Museum.  

Born in Dijon, France, Jean-Claude Baker will step into the arena of the Baker mystique as he recalls his and his mother's colorful past when as a young boy working as a bellhop in Paris, he met controversial entertainer Josephine Baker who was to take him to the United States on her final tour in 1973. Since that time, Jean-Claude has established himself as one of New York's premiere hosts via his high profile and popular "Chez Josephine" restaurant located in the heart of New York's theater district. 

Long before she was to become internationally famous as "The Toast of Paris" via her provocative "Banana Dance" performed with considerable abandon as the star of the "Folies Bergere," "La Baker," as she was soon to be known, had experienced a dismal childhood as she fought and resisted racial bigotry and segregation. It will be those largely forgotten early years that Jean-Claude will address, up to September 1915 when, at 19, she left New York for France. Jean-Claude will also reveal how in addition to being fairly worshiped by international audiences, Baker was to become a fearless opponent of oppression who risked her life for the French Resistance during WW II. 

A great admirer of the legendary performer, Naomi Wilzig has consistently sought and collecTed Baker memorabilia, including paintings, posters, photos, statues, press clippings and films. Along with Baker's most popular recordings, screened  throughout the run will be such treasured Baker films as "Tam Tam," and "Zou Zou."   

The World Erotic Art Museum is located at 1205 Washington Avenue. Open Monday-Thursday, 11 A.M. to 10 P.M., Friday to Sunday from 11 A.M. to Midnight. Tickets are $15, no one under 18 admitted, Information, (305) 532-9336 or via www.weam.com.

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