IN PICTURES – In Châtellerault, Joséphine Baker’s son inaugurates a school in his mother’s name

He was eagerly awaited by the children of the Châtellerault school group this Tuesday, September 24: Brian Bouillon Baker, the son of Josephine Baker. The school in the Plaine d’Ozon district now bears the name of the famous singer, dancer, and resistance fighter during the Second World War. This name change follows the overhaul of the school group, in particular with the closure of the Matisse nursery school. The children, parents and staff voted: 161 votes out of 310 chose the famous artistamong other figures such as Marie Curie, Germaine Tillion and Simone Veil. In addition to this new name, a totem, bearing the image of Joséphine Baker, now stands in front of the school gate.

“My mother would have been very proud and happy if a school had been named after her.”

“It is very important that in this city of Châtellerault, there is a school that bears the name of Joséphine Baker. My mother carried, in her commitments and her values, her ideals of universal fraternity, but also of education and knowledge. Obviously, it is in this kind of place that young people learn not only history, but also living together. That, my mother, I think, would have been very proud and happy that a school place bears her name. The whole family, our whole rainbow tribe, we are also proud and honored” says Brian Bouillon Baker, who came for the school’s inauguration.