The Talented Tenth

It is interesting to cross reference, compare and contrast the philosophical and ideological differences between men who genuinely wanted similar things. To ensure the survival of their people following the longest and worst atrocity in human history (the trans-Atlantic slave trade - 1498-1865). Coming out of reconstruction African-American leaders sought the most expedient and sustainable methodology to secure a future for a people emancipated but certainly without the means or tools to exercise freedom. Du Bois and his talented tenth seemed elitist and did not register with a segment of the masses of blacks fighting racism of American institutions now being set up was a class system of superiority within their own race. However, Washington's focus on trade development, the ability to build and take from the land the means to survive was long on building tools of industry but lacked prioritization of building the intellectual capital to create industry rather than serve it. This debate evolved when Marcus M. Garvey developed the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League. He often criticized Du Bois and his NAACP, for their placing the so-called "elite" above the masses of black people and sought a program that advanced both the industrious and intellectual in service to up lift the standing of people of African descent globally. Du Bois was correct to emphasize the urgency and key component of education and the necessity to harness the intellectual capital of black Americans. This book makes his argument with precision. However, it set up the less than compelling case for the use of classism in the black community which has to this day continues to define the discourse relative to the masses and their quality of life, exercise of liberty and the ability to pursue happiness.

No complaints

Awesome read! There seemed to be an ideological war going on amongst black people at that time. The battle was over whether or not black people needed to "just" be practically trained in useful skills that could be applied immediately or did they broader training from a university that focused on developing their character. Booker T. Washington as well as Carter G. Woodson seemed to propagate the idea that higher education that lacked any practical skills mandate was useless and W.E.B. Dubios thought the opposite. From what Dubios observed men needed more that just a trade for the now that put them to work, they needed to be developed into educated men that would have the potential to save their race.

Had some concerns and disagreement with the language and ideology of the "Talented tenth" but it is a practical thought. This work is still relevant to my feelings on "trade schools" being encouraged to at-risk black youth who I would argue need exposure to the college experience in order to be transformed as thinkers.

The review is in the response box. i know that a small percentage of African-Americans are well educated, but it does not mean the other 90 percent are not hard workers...

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I heard of this book many years ago, but had never taken the time to read it until now. Seeing the problems of DuBois' day echo the same struggles of Blacks in America makes me both saddened and intrigued. He eloquently made his argument for higher education and the need for leaders to move a people-group forward. Reading this book has renewed my vigor for "complete" education. This book is a must-read.

I had heard much about this principle and felt it did not work, however I had never taken the time to see what Dubois had actually proposed. It would have worked. A short read, I advise black people to read and maybe this time we can make the plan work.