Today@Sam Article

Bearkat Orgs: Exceptional Men of the Talented Tenth Inc.

Feb. 25, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

By Damikka Willis

It is well known that excellence breeds excellence, and one student organization is drawing motivation from an exceptional historical figure as its members work for the betterment of their community. The Exceptional Men of The Talented Tenth Inc. was founded at Sam Houston State University on Feb. 10, 2000. Since then, many men from different walks of life have joined the organization to find community and involvement on campus. 

“The Talented Tenth” was an essay written by American sociologist, historian and activist W.E.B. Du Bois that centered on the necessity for higher education and leadership among 10 percent of Black Americans. 

"I didn't know much about the organization at first, but a close friend offered me the opportunity to join, and the rest is history,” said Clarence Williams, a senior criminal justice major and president of the organization. 

This month marks the organization’s 25th year of leadership and community building on SHSU’s campus. It recognizes the importance of living up to the legacy they’ve been building, the long-term impact their organization makes in the community and passing leadership on to future generations. 

“It’s imperative that we’re involved in the community of Huntsville because the university motto is ‘The measure of Life is its Service,’ and it’s our service to be a part of the change we want see,” said Williams. “Whether that means bonding with others or teaching people new things, we are happy to contribute to the betterment of the community." 

The group has an informational session once a semester or year and attempts to bring in at least one internship-based class every academic year. Students can also get involved with the organization by attending events, reposting flyers or spreading information through word of mouth.  

The Tenth recently hosted the Men in Demand Week in celebratory efforts for the organization’s Founder’s Day. The week-long celebration included a group dinner, a financial awareness and entrepreneurship speaker event, a roundtable talk and a Soulja Boy social with SHSU’s NAACP chapter. 

“Brotherhood is essential when it comes to strength and community building. The strength of our relationships always factor into the outcome of our personal efforts,” Williams said. “We must be there for one another because we tend to forget that we are just students while we work towards our goals. We call ourselves the top 10% because there aren't too many people doing what we do, and we take pride in that.” 

This January, the organization co-hosted the BK Market Back to School Bash with Good Ol’ Times, OK Vintage Market, the Kappa Mu chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and SHSU’s Depop Campus Ambassadors. The Tenth invited over 20 vendors to sell various items. The market brought out members of the arts and fashion community at Sam Houston who are passionate about supporting creators, whether it’s homemade rugs, handmade bracelets, a student’s fashion brand or clothes they are willing to sell. 

The market was started by current Talented Tenth member and junior photography major, Tega Okperuvwe. Hosting the market contributed to the development of his personal, professional and project management skills, which is what drew him to the organization in the first place. 

“I was interested in joining the Tenth because I was looking for a community of like-minded people who want to elevate themselves and uplift their community,” Okperuvwe said. “The Tenth helped me become more solutions-oriented, and the experience has helped me improve my project management skills regarding planning and organizing an event. As a member, I’m seeing what I can improve from past projects and how to be intentional with the events that I want to map out.”  

The event also consisted of games that included musical chairs, potato sack racing and giveaways. The Tenth hosted a similar thrift event last semester that was highly received, but they wanted to find a way to keep students entertained and put a twist on the usual trip to the local thrift shop. 

“The first BK Market was very successful; a lot of people came through and the marketing was outstanding. We hit the nail on the head,” said Okperuvwe. “It’s so exciting to see each event grow more as time progresses, the slogan for the first BK Market was “Bringing the joy of thrifting to campus” and seeing people have clothing racks on the yard shows me these events are inspiring and motivating to others.” 

This event highlighted an alternative lifestyle shared by Huntsville locals and SHSU students through community planning and collaboration. Supporting creative spaces in Huntsville is essential for fostering a space for community impact, creative curiosity and innovation. It also shows how creative communities come in all shapes and sizes. 

“I’ve grown up around Sam Houston, so I’ve been to a few events on campus, and by hosting the BK Market I have really felt a deeper sense of appreciation for campus life and the culture surrounding it,” said Okperuvwe. “The community is tight-knit and, despite being in a small town, you can spark creative ideas through the mundaneness, which is a beautiful thing to witness.” 

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