The \”Talented Tenth\” refers to the percentage of blacks in the community who would save the Negro race essentially from the worst parts of itself the \”New Negro\” if you will. Dr. Narcisses elitism and manner is at odds with Chalky White, who represents the black man who has bootstrapped his way to success, as evidenced by his gruff demeanor and regional dialect despite his impeccable clothing, lovely home and beautiful family.Played exquisitely by actor Jeffrey Wright, Dr. Narcisse moves freely through many different groups white politicians, black church folk, gangsters, nightclub patrons, thespians reflecting DuBois concept of double consciousness, the veil through which black people are viewed skin color, white establishment, black community, see and interact with the world. Because of this dual consciousness, black folks had/have the ability to don different masks Frantz Fanon in order to survive in a world that loathes black folks. While the writer never explicitly identifies Dr. Narcisse as DuBois, it is clear that DuBois is the historical figure the writer is referencing.
via Boardwalk Empires Negro Problem: Creative License With DuBois and Garvey | Nsenga Burton.
