Talented tenth facts for kids
The Talented Tenth was an idea about leadership for African Americans in the early 1900s. It suggested that a small group of highly educated Black individuals could guide their community. While the idea first came from some white supporters in the Northern United States, it is mostly linked to W. E. B. Du Bois. He wrote an important essay called "The Talented Tenth" in 1903. This essay was part of a book called The Negro Problem, which included writings from many important African American leaders.
Contents
The Idea of the Talented Tenth
The phrase "Talented Tenth" first appeared around 1896. It came from some white supporters in the Northern United States. These groups, like the American Baptist Home Mission Society, wanted to create Black colleges in the Southern states. Their goal was to train Black teachers and leaders.
In 1903, W. E. B. Du Bois wrote his famous essay, "The Talented Tenth." At this time, Theodore Roosevelt was president, and industries were growing fast. Du Bois believed it was a crucial moment for African Americans to improve their standing in society.
What the Talented Tenth Meant
Du Bois's idea was that about one in ten Black men had the potential to become leaders. These men would achieve this through college education, writing, and working for social change. In his essay, Du Bois urged these educated African American men to use their knowledge to lead and improve the Black community. He believed they should put community needs before their own personal goals.
Du Bois strongly felt that a classical education was essential for Black people to reach their full potential. This was different from the industrial education promoted by Booker T. Washington. Du Bois saw classical education as the best way to uplift the Black community. He thought it would create thoughtful leaders, known today as public intellectuals.
We will have true leaders only when we make personal growth the main goal of schools. This means developing intelligence, understanding, and knowledge of the world. This kind of higher education is the foundation for a good life. On this strong base, we can learn skills and quick thinking, without confusing how we earn a living with the true purpose of life.
Later in his life, Du Bois expanded his views on leadership. He recognized that leaders could come from many different backgrounds. He also saw the importance of grassroots efforts, meaning change starting from ordinary people. His stepson, David Du Bois, shared these later ideas in 1972. He wrote that Du Bois believed leadership should come from "those who suffered most and have the least to lose."
In his essay, Du Bois wrote:
The Black community, like all communities, will be helped by its most exceptional members. So, education among Black people must first focus on the Talented Tenth. It is about helping the best people in this community guide everyone away from harmful influences.
In his book Dusk of Dawn, Du Bois further explained his idea. He said that his earlier plan was for a group of talented people to lead the community. But he stressed that their power would come from their knowledge and good character, not from their wealth.
How Education Could Improve Communities
Du Bois believed that educated African Americans should use their knowledge to help their communities. He thought the "Talented Tenth" should aim for important roles in politics. This way, Black communities could have representatives in government. These educated leaders could then work for the good of their people.
Du Bois saw segregation as a major problem. He felt that having African Americans in political roles was the first step to addressing it. He also thought that education would help people start businesses. This would improve the financial well-being of Black communities. He hoped this would also help white people see Black people as equals, leading to integration in society and business.
The "Guiding Hundredth" Idea
In 1948, Du Bois updated his "Talented Tenth" idea. He called this new concept the "Guiding Hundredth." He wanted to make the leadership idea more open and inclusive. This meant working with other minority groups who also wanted to improve their lives.
The "Talented Tenth" focused mainly on issues faced by African Americans. But the "Guiding Hundredth" aimed to help solve problems for other minority groups too. Du Bois also added a new focus: morality. He believed that leaders should be selfless and care deeply about others. For the "Guiding Hundredth," good character became even more important than just education.
Why Du Bois Changed His Mind
The "Guiding Hundredth" suggested that leadership should not just come from a small, select group. It broadened the idea of Black leadership. It brought together ideas about race, culture, politics, and money. Du Bois still valued education, seeing it as a path to new chances for everyone. However, some people felt this new idea still leaned too much towards elitism.
This updated idea was also Du Bois's plan for African Americans after World War II. He wanted to help them strengthen their sense of purpose and beliefs. Du Bois stressed working with other minority groups. He believed this would help achieve equality for all Black people. Both the "Talented Tenth" and "Guiding Hundredth" showed that political action was key. Du Bois felt that expressing themselves in politics was vital for Black culture.
Challenges to Achieving the Talented Tenth Idea
To be part of the "Talented Tenth," a person needed a college education. However, many people felt this goal was hard to reach for many African Americans. Historically, fewer African Americans attended college compared to white people. There were several reasons for this difference.
One reason was the challenge of paying for college. For example, in the 1980s, financial help for college students from lower-income families became less available. Without enough financial aid, it was harder for individuals to go to college. Many Black and African-American families faced these financial difficulties.
Another challenge was the quality of schools. Many African American children attended public schools that did not receive enough funding. Schools with less money often provided a poorer education. This made getting into college more difficult for students. These schools also often lacked resources like guidance counselors, who help students prepare for college.
Because of these challenges, some people believed that Du Bois's plan for the "Talented Tenth" was difficult for many to achieve.
See also
In Spanish: El Décimo Talentoso para niños
- African-American upper class – Contemporary successors of the Talented Tenth
- Class rank
- Meritocracy and Myth of meritocracy
- Natural aristocracy – similar concept developed by Thomas Jefferson, in a more broad context
- Negro Academy – scholarly institute that published many works of the Talented Tenth
