Josephine Baker Day is observed on May 20 worldwide to honor the legacy of Josephine Baker, an American-French dancer, singer, actress, and civil rights activist. Instituted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1951, the day celebrates Baker’s contributions to the arts and her activism against racial segregation. Born on June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, Baker gained fame during the Harlem Renaissance and became the first black woman to star in a major motion picture. Throughout her career, she was a vocal supporter of the American Civil Rights Movement, refusing to perform for segregated audiences and actively writing about segregation in the United States. The NAACP recognized her efforts by declaring May 20 as Josephine Baker Day, reflecting her commitment to civil rights and equality.