Talented Tenth

The "Talented Tenth" is a concept from early 20th-century African American thought, proposing that a small, educated, and talented minority within the Black community could lead social and economic progress. Coined by W.E.B. Du Bois, it suggests that if these educated individuals pursue higher education and moral leadership, they can uplift the broader community and promote racial equality. Essentially, it emphasizes the importance of cultivating a well-educated elite to drive positive change and serve as role models for others.