Principles

TEMPERAMENT: INTEGRITY AND HONESTY ARE AT THE HEART OF OUR ORGANIZATION.

We expect our people to maintain high ethical standards in everything they do, both in their work at The New Tenth and in their personal lives.

AMBITION: PURPOSE-DRIVEN: Belief is at the core of all achievement. We respect and treasure the power of a shared purpose and vision. It allows us to endure in times of adversity and will enable us never to get too high when things are going well or get down when they are not. Life presents these different colors and shades that require an intensity of belief and calm resolve. We believe deeply in the enduring human spirit and the possibility that lies in each of us. 

LIBERTY: WE OFFER OUR PEOPLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE AHEAD MORE RAPIDLY THAN IS POSSIBLE AT MOST OTHER PLACES.

Advancement depends on merit, and we have yet to find the limits to the responsibility our best people can assume. To be successful, our young men and women must reflect the diversity of the communities and cultures in which we operate. That means we must attract, retain and motivate people from many backgrounds and perspectives. Being diverse is not optional; it is what we must be.

ENVISION: WE STRESS CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION IN EVERYTHING WE DO.

While recognizing that the old way may still be the best, we continuously strive to find a better solution to any problem we may encounter. We pride ourselves on having pioneered many practices and techniques that have become standard in the industry.

NURTURE: WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THE PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OF OUR WORK.

We have an uncompromising determination to achieve excellence in everything we undertake. Though we may be involved in a wide variety and heavy volume of activity, we would, if it came to a choice, rather be best than biggest.

TRUSTWORTHINESS: OUR ASSETS ARE OUR PEOPLE, CAPITAL AND REPUTATION.

If any of these is ever diminished, the last is the most difficult to restore. We are dedicated to complying fully with the letter and spirit of the laws, rules, and ethical principles that govern us. Our continued success depends upon unswerving adherence to this standard.

EXPANSION: OUR WORLD IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE, AND WE AGGRESSIVELY SEEK TO EXPAND OUR INFLUENCE AND RELATIONSHIPS.

However, we must always be fair competitors and must never denigrate others.

DEDICATION: THE DEDICATION OF OUR PEOPLE TO THE ORGANIZATION AND THE INTENSE EFFORT THEY GIVE THEIR DUTIES ARE GREATER THAN ONE FINDS IN MOST OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. We think that this is an integral part of our success.

ONENESS: WE CONSTANTLY STRIVE TO ANTICIPATE THE RAPIDLY CHANGING NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITIES AND TO DEVELOP NEW SKILLS TO MEET THOSE NEEDS.

We know that the world will not stand still and that complacency can lead to extinction.

ZERO EXCUSES: APPETITE FOR CHANGE

If it were easy, everyone would do it. While we don't know the future, we can begin the process of knowing ourselves: The strengths and weaknesses that make up our character. We will continue to pursue truth in all of its forms, having the flexibility and the courage to change our minds and courses when we are wrong and be humble when we happen to be right—understanding that the road to success is never without obstacles.

Vision

To develop the leadership capacity among the ablest 10 percent of black youth, and then the masses. Who will not depend on handouts from others but will earn their special privileges by dedicating themselves to “leavening the lump” and “inspiring the masses.” It is shifting paradigms, changing lives, and altering the world for the better, ultimately making a mark that cannot be erased.

Mission

To enlighten the mind and the heart. Building the skill of hand and quickness of brain, without fear unless the child and adult mistake the means of living for the object of life