When I was a child and they burned me out of my home, I was frightened and I ran away. Eventually I ran far away. It was to a place called France. Many of you have been there, and many have not. But I must tell you, ladies and gentlemen, in that country I never feared. It was like a fairyland place.

In this quote, Josephine Baker reflects on a pivotal moment from her childhood when she was forced to flee her home due to fear and persecution. She recalls the trauma of being burned out of her home, which likely refers to the harsh realities of racism and social injustice she faced in the United States, prompting her to run away. Baker’s escape led her to France, a country that she came to associate with freedom and safety, contrasting sharply with the fear she experienced in her homeland.

Baker’s description of France as a "fairyland place" illustrates her sense of relief and security upon arriving in a country where she did not experience the same racial prejudices and discrimination she had faced in the U.S. France provided her with an environment where she felt accepted, and it became a symbol of hope and possibility for her. In contrast to the fear she had left behind, France represented a space where she could pursue her career and personal happiness without the constant threat of persecution.

The mention of many people not having been to France underscores the idea that place and environment can have a profound impact on one’s well-being and sense of identity. Baker’s experience reflects how important it is to find a space where one feels not just safe, but also able to thrive. Her love for France symbolizes her journey from fear to empowerment, a transition that deeply shaped both her personal and professional life.

Ultimately, Josephine Baker’s quote highlights the transformative power of finding a place that offers freedom, acceptance, and peace—qualities that were lacking in her early life. It emphasizes how deeply the environment shapes one’s sense of self and the importance of seeking out spaces where people can truly feel at home, regardless of their past struggles.