Josie Woods facts for kids

Josie Woods (born May 16, 1912 – died June 28, 2008) was an amazing Black British dancer, choreographer, and activist. She used her talents to entertain and also to fight for what was right.

Josie Woods' Early Life

Josie Woods was born Josephine Lucy Wood in Canning Town, London, in 1912. Her dad, Charles Wood, came from the island of Dominica. Her mom, Emily, had Gypsy family roots.

When she was a teenager, Josie worked as a seamstress, making clothes. In 1927, a dancer named Belle Davis held auditions for a new dance group. Josie and her brother, Charles, were chosen!

They trained with a special clog dancing group called The Eight Lancashire Lads. Later, Belle Davis formed a new group called the Magnolia Blossoms, and Josie was one of the dancers.

Dancing Career and Success

The Magnolia Blossoms traveled to Paris, France. There, they joined a show called Black People with Louis Douglas. Josie even took the place of the famous dancer Josephine Baker in a show called la Revue nègre [fr].

Josie worked in France for two years. In 1932, she came back to Britain with a group called Eight Black Streaks. This group toured around, performing in music halls. They were very successful! People called them "the first established dance troupe of black Britons."

The group even appeared in a movie called Kentucky Minstrels in 1934. Josie also toured with other performers like Cyril Lagey and Ken "Snakehips" Johnson. During the Second World War, she performed with Eddie Williams.

Teaching and New Acts

Josie Woods also taught dance. She was one of the first people to bring the exciting dance called the jitterbug to Britain. After the Second World War, she started a new act with one of her students, Willie Payne.

They performed in clubs as Ken Ross and Lucille. They were even special guest stars in the film Nitwits on Parade (1949). Later, Josie worked with Cab Kaye in an act called Two Brown Birds of Rhythm.

Community Activism

Josie Woods was also a strong community activist in Brixton, London. An activist is someone who works to bring about change in society. She taught people about Black British history, helping them learn about their past.

She once worked as an extra (a background actor) in a film called Old Mother Riley's Jungle Treasure (1951). When she felt the pay was unfair, she organized a strike to get better wages for the extras. This showed her courage and leadership.

Lasting Legacy

Josie Woods' life and work are still remembered today. In 1997, the BBC made a television documentary about her for a program called Black Britain.

Her story is also part of the Black History Tube Map. This special map was created by the Black Cultural Archives and Transport for London to highlight important Black British figures.

In 2021, her biography was included in a children's theater show called Knowing Newham Hero Hunt. This show was part of Newham Heritage Month, helping kids learn about local heroes like Josie.

Personal Life

Josie Woods was married in the 1930s. Her first marriage was challenging. In 1956, she had a son with an American soldier who was in the UK. Her son, Ralph Moore, grew up to become a famous saxophonist in America.

In 2001, Josie Woods moved to California. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 96, leaving behind a wonderful legacy as a dancer, choreographer, and activist.