The Talented Tenth?: Narratives of Success and Committment to Group Uplift Among Black Students at Elite Universities

Abstract

This study uses in-depth interviews and focus groups with 40 Black students at three elite universities to explore how their perceptions of their educational success and their motivations (or lack thereof) to benefit the Black community are informed by their racial identities and perceptions of racial inequality. I explore whether or not they conform to ideals of Black exceptionalism; that is, the idea that as high achieving Black students they are both the exceptionally talented or hardworking minority within the minority and that this exceptionality is the primary reason for their success. I investigate how these students’ outlooks on those issues affects their sense of belonging and obligation to the Black community. I find that exposure to and awareness of differing levels of inequality within the Black community often prevents respondents from accepting the notion that they arrived at their current position by virtue of their own character or work ethic alone. They often report feeling privileged for their opportunities and feel an obligation to “go back” and benefit the Black community in their careers.