Cover image: Josephine Baker portrait unveiled
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On Wednesday, October 9, a select group of individuals braved drenching rain to honor an invitation by U.S. Ambassador Denise Campbell Bauer to attend an historic event.

Guests were enthusiastically greeted by U.S. Embassy Cultural Heritage Manager Candace Nancel, and the evening began with hot hors d'œuvres and conversation in the space that had been christened the Josephine Baker ballroom only 18 months before.

Plaque for Josephine Baker Ballroom
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Minister Counselor of Public Affairs Lawrence Randolph took the podium and officially opened the event, referencing the naming of the ballroom as part of his brief remarks. He introduced Ambassador Bauer, who welcomed the crowd and spoke for another few minutes to set the stage for the speakers who would truly be the focus of the evening.

Ambassador Denise Campbell Bauer
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Next to take the podium was Loren R. Douglass, CEO & Founder of MKD Partners International.  He told the story of how Ambassador Bauer hosted a reception for Wynton Marsalis at the residence several weeks after the dedication of the ballroom, and how he and other invited guests remarked that there was no portrait of Baker in the room. 

That conversation, which took place in June 2023, kicked off the series of activities that led to the unveiling of a stunning contemporary portrait of Baker at the residence.

Loren R. Douglass
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Douglass acknowledged the presence of members of Baker's Rainbow Tribe, thanked Ambassador Bauer for hosting the unveiling, and lauded Baker for her artistry, her heroism, and her "relentless pursuit of justice, freedom, and equality for all."

Marianne, Brian, and Akio Bouillon-Baker amidst others
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Josephine Baker, an oil on canvas measuring 65 x 55 inches, will hang in the ballroom permanently.  It was created in 2024 by Jas Knight, a multi-talented artist whom the Long Gallery in Harlem, NY commissioned for the work. 

Artist Jas Knight and the veiled portrait
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When Douglass finished his remarks, he and Knight gently tugged the royal blue fabric that covered the painting to reveal it in all its glory.

Josephine unveiled
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Knight then addressed the audience briefly.  He talked about how he originally intended to portray Baker in uniform, but then decided that a more quintessential look was more appropriate.  He marveled at how the colors he chose for the final version of the portrait complement the color scheme of the ballroom, even though he had not seen the room before beginning the project.

Jas Knight speaks about the portrait
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Finally, writer, poet, entrepreneur, and investor John White recited a beautiful verse that he wrote for the event.

He entitled it simply "Josephine."

Click on the image below to watch White recite the poem and to read the verse in its entirety.

John White recites "Josephine"
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After the reading, photos were the order of the evening.

Photographing the artist, speakers, and Baker family
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Everyone wanted to have their picture taken in front of the portrait for posterity.

Daphne Holly (left) and Patrick Banks (right) posing with artist Jas Knight
Photo courtesy of Patrick Banks

It was a delightful evening that further entrenched the legacy of Josephine Baker in the U.S. and in France.

Josephine
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Josephine information plaque
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