“The Negro race, like all other races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men.” That statement was made by W.E. B DuBois in a series of articles written in September of 1903. It was a relevant statement 104 years ago and it is a relevant statement now.

DuBois called for Negroes who were educated and of high moral character to lead the Negro race into the 20th Century. The “Each One Teach One” strategy of uplifting the race was seen by DuBois as the most effective way to educate the masses of “negroes” still unable to contribute and function in society.

Fast forward 104 years to today and despite the significant social and economic gains we have made in every area of American life, there are still far too many Black Americans, especially our young people, who are unable and unprepared to contribute and function in society.

DuBois is right on point by saying the educated of our men, the achiever, and the skilled professional must take a leadership role and lead the Black race by the example of accomplishment. Being a man of his time, DuBois did not include women. Being a man of my time, I will. As the number of these men and women increase over generations, so decreases the number of African American men who are uneducated, unemployed, incarcerated, and unable to provide for their families. That’s the way it should have been. The civil rights movement, affirmative action, educational opportunities, Black Entrepreneurship, and social acceptance as human beings have produced millions of Black Americans who are in a position to help someone else. But with all our talents, all our resources, all our connections; we have failed each other by not sharing, not caring, not maintaining our position as the second most important group of people in this country. We are self-absorbed as we watch our race go down the social, political, and economic toilet. Have we become so selfish and so protective of what we have that we can’t find it in ourselves to show someone else how to achieve the same thing? The “I got mine, you get yours” mentality is the handle that flushes us down that toilet.

Yes, we have our millionaires, we have our businesses, we have our elected officials, skilled tradesmen/women, and Black professionals, but are we really reaching out to help those who don’t have a clue. I know we talk about all the Black people who don’t have a clue and I’m on that list of talkers. But I’m also on the list of Black people leading by example, teaching, and doing something to help someone else. DuBois called those on that list the Talented Tenth; I call it a group of Black people doing more than talking about other Black people who don’t have a clue.

Say It Loud!