Born Freda Josephine McDonald on June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, Josephine Baker spent her youth in poverty before learning to dance and finding success on Broadway. In the 1920s she moved to France and soon became one of Europe’s most popular and highest-paid performers. She worked for the French Resistance during World War II, and during the 1950s and ’60s devoted herself to fighting segregation and racism in the United States. After beginning her comeback to the stage in 1973, Josephine Baker died of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1975, and was buried with military honors.

Capitalizing on her success, Baker sang professionally for the first time in 1930, and several years later landed film roles as a singer in Zou-Zou and Princesse Tam-Tam. The money she earned from her performances soon allowed her to purchase an estate in Castelnaud-Fayrac, in the southwest of France. She named the estate Les Milandes, and soon paid to move her family there from St. Louis.

Winemaker/Founder  Phil Long of Longevity Wines, began his journey making wine in the garage with his wife Debra.  Now with over a decade of winemaking experience, and a list of awards too long to print, Winemaker Phil continues his journey with the constant of always improving in place.  “In the business of winemaking, the minute you think you know it all, it’s time to get out.”
The cellar practices and techniques that Phil uses in the production of wine are constantly re-evaluated and improved, to ultimately elevate the quality of the wines produced.  The grapes are personally sourced and chosen by Phil.  “Great wine starts with great fruit, there is no way around that”.  Grapes are sourced from only the best vineyards for use in the production of Longevity Wines.  Phil began making wine in the Livermore Valley in 2006 under the Longevity label, using other facilities.  It was only a matter of time before production was moved from other facilities, to Longevity’s own facility in Livermore.  Yearly production from 500 cases per year, to the current production of 2500.  Phil enjoys the challenge of making many different wines, and continues to strive for wines that are high in quality instead of high quantities.

Our beautifully appointed rooms will bring you the perfect blend of the nostalgia of 1940’s and the modern luxury you will come to expect from the Sojourn Heritage Brand.

We welcome you with a complimentary bottle of our signature wines, made by African American winemaker Phil Long.   Each of our guest rooms also features a curated library full of wonderful reads about the artist, writers, musicians and entrepreneurs who made the Harlem Renaissance one of the most progressive and empowering times for African Americans. Relax and enjoy some of the movements most iconic books such as “The Souls of Black folk” by W.E.B Dubois or a “Their Eyes were watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston.

Experience our hand-crafted, eco-friendly shea butter infused toiletries all custom designed for Sojourn, not only to nourish your body but also delight your senses.

Hi speed internet and cable are also included in your stay, along with exciting new technology designed for the hospitality market.

Topping it all off, a complimentary full breakfast is prepared each morning just for you.