Exploring the Talented Tenth: A Historical and Modern Perspective

Introduction

The phrase “the Talented Tenth” was first used by W.E.B. Du Bois in an essay published in 1903. The phrase was meant to describe the small percentage of African Americans at that time who could be educated and trained for leadership positions. Since then, the Talented Tenth has become a widely accepted concept, with its implications explored in various fields such as education, politics, and sociology. This article will explore the historical origins and modern impact of the Talented Tenth, providing insight into its relevance today.

A Historical Perspective: Exploring the Origins of the Talented Tenth

The origin of the Talented Tenth concept can be traced back to a speech given by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1895. In this speech, he argued that a small percentage of African Americans should be given access to higher education so that they could become leaders and serve as role models for the rest of their community. He argued that these individuals would form the core of a new, educated black elite, which would help to bring about social change. In his 1903 essay, Du Bois elaborated on this idea, arguing that only a select few African Americans were capable of leading their race out of the oppressive conditions of the time. He referred to these individuals as the “Talented Tenth” and argued that they should be provided with educational opportunities to help them realize their potential.

In addition to Du Bois, there were other influential figures who helped to shape the concept of the Talented Tenth. For example, Booker T. Washington, an African-American educator and leader of the early 20th century, also advocated for the education of African Americans. He argued that the best way to improve the lives of African Americans was through education, and he established the Tuskegee Institute to provide educational opportunities to those in need. Washington believed that the most talented African Americans should be given the opportunity to attend college and receive a higher education, which would enable them to become successful professionals and lead the way for others.

Examining the Impact of the Talented Tenth on Modern Society

Today, the concept of the Talented Tenth continues to have a significant impact on society. The focus on providing educational opportunities to a select group of African Americans has been instrumental in helping to reduce disparities between the races. Studies have found that African Americans who receive a college education are more likely to achieve economic success than those who do not. This suggests that the education provided by the Talented Tenth is helping to create a more level playing field, allowing African Americans to compete with their white counterparts in terms of income and employment opportunities.

However, there are still challenges faced by the Talented Tenth. Despite the progress that has been made in providing educational opportunities to African Americans, there are still issues of inequality when it comes to access to higher education. African Americans are still less likely to attend college than their white peers, and those who do attend often face financial difficulties or lack of support from family and friends. This can make it difficult for African Americans to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them, hindering their ability to reach their full potential.

In addition, there is also a lack of diversity among the Talented Tenth. Studies have shown that African Americans who are able to attain higher education are disproportionately from middle-class backgrounds, suggesting that those from lower-income families may not have access to the same resources. This can create a situation in which certain segments of the population are excluded from participating in the Talented Tenth, perpetuating existing inequalities.

Conclusion

The concept of the Talented Tenth has had a significant impact on society throughout history. By providing educational opportunities to a select group of African Americans, the Talented Tenth has helped to reduce disparities between the races and enabled some African Americans to achieve economic success. However, there are still challenges faced by the Talented Tenth, such as a lack of access to higher education for those from lower-income backgrounds and a lack of diversity among those who are able to attain higher education. These issues suggest that more needs to be done to ensure that all African Americans have access to the same educational opportunities, enabling them to reach their full potential.