The Concept of The Talented Tenth

September 1903 W.E.B DuBois published a letter, based on The Talented Tenth, a theory that only 10% of the black race carries the other 90% of the population. To begin it’s not an exact number of 10%. It is a belief that may or may not still hold true until today depending on who you ask.


On a holistic view, this theory could hold true. Most of the worlds wealth falls into a very low percentage while most have a considerably lower income. The ones in power or in the position of power to make change on a global level are seldom poor. I’m not referring to policy changes the amendments to the constitution to give people basic human rights, I’m referring to making changes in who gets tax cuts and whos’’ interest will be looked after the most. So I could see how this theory hold true.

With all the strides that people have made for us, I think we should exceed the 10% ranking. Personally I do believe in this theory. I am optimistic about the future and I believe that the number will increase.

Below is parts from his speech, If they promise not to sue I will post the entire letter. Why not I don’t have any money for them anyway.



“If we make money the object of man-training, we shall develop money-makers but not necessarily men; if we make technical skill the object of education, we may possess artisans but not, in nature, men. Men we shall have only as we make manhood the object of the work of the schools intelligence, broad sympathy, knowledge of the world that was and is, and of the relation of men to it this is the curriculum of that Higher Education which must underlie true life. On this foundation we may build bread winning, skill of hand and quickness of brain, with never a fear lest the child and man mistake the means of living for the object of life…

Men of America, the problem is plain before you. Here is a race transplanted through the criminal foolishness of your fathers. Whether you like it or not the millions are here, and here they will remain. If you do not lift them up, they will pull you down. Education and work are the levers to uplift a people. Work alone will not do it unless inspired by the right ideals and guided by intelligence. Education must not simply teach work � it must teach Life. The Talented Tenth of the Negro race must be made leaders of thought and missionaries of culture among their people. No others can do this work and Negro colleges must train men for it. The Negro race, like all other races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men.”