Dear EIF friend, supporter, scholar & partner,

W.E.B Dubois called it the talented tenth. During a time when individuals from minority groups were prevented from having the same rights as others, he believed that these races would inevitably be carried by the top 10%, those with the intrinsic abilities and skills to enhance and uplift their respective races.

Over 100 years later, this prevailing idea has seemingly crept into the hearts and minds of some people when it comes to the pursuit of a viable postsecondary career.

And I philosophically disagree.

Many organizations and individuals however believe just that. They spend an inordinate amount of time working with students that have shown exceptional academic promise, and have risen to the top of their respective class. These students should undoubtedly be applauded and should be presented every opportunity as they have earned that right.

But what about the rest of the students? What about the thousands of students locally, and millions of students nationally that will not graduate in the top 10% of their graduating class?

Sincerely,

Marcia Page

Education is Freedom