The Talented Tenth Award

 What is the Talented 10th Award?
 
The Talented Tenth award was established to honor young leaders of our time who make an impact in our community for the greater good.
 
In celebration of Black History Month, we continue to celebrate the legacy of many leaders before us who believed in social change that makes a positive impact in our communities. Leaders such as William Edward Burghardt, better known as W.E.B. Du Bois, who is one of those leaders in which we celebrate at our Jr. Unity Ball. Du Bois used the term "the talented tenth" to describe the likelihood of one in ten black men/women/youth who become leaders of their race in the world, through methods such as continuing their education, writing books, or becoming directly involved in social change. He strongly believed that African Americans needed a classical education to be able to reach their full potential. He saw classical education as the basis for what, in the 20th century, would be known as public intellectuals:

“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.”
-W.E.B. Du Bois   ​

Better Family Life recognizes how important it is, that as a community, the successes, triumphs, and achievements of youth are valued, honored and celebrated, and will continue to foster and shine a light on student achievement – continuing tradition, Better Family Life will honor 10 students for their hard work, diligence and resilience at the 2022 Jr. Unity Ball.
 
Applications for the Talented Tenth Award are CLOSED for submission.
 
Submissions will re-open October 2021:
When submission form becomes available, Click Here to download the Talented Tenth Form.
*The "Click Here" button is deactivated until October 2021*
 
Please complete the form, answer ONE essay question and submit completed documents:
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By email: to youthdept@betterfamilylife.org
Subject Line: 2021 Talented Tenth Essay Submission
 
By mail or drop off to our office located at:
Better Family Life, CEBC
Attn: Youth, Family & Clinical Services
Jr. Unity Ball Talented Tenth Submission
5415 Page Blvd. St. Louis, MO. 63112