Joshua Finch: "I think (with the help of my friends) that Black Americans have become more dependent on the system, due to the fact that Black Americans complain when they don’t receive any help; and when they do get help, they claim that they don’t get enough help. I know this from my own personal experiences."

Tonya Newson: "I think Black Americans have become more independent due to the fact the system has made changes in helping Black Americans with educational classes, job training programs, as well as job leads. All of (these) tools have helped Black Americans become more independent and get back into the work force."

Adrian T. Polk: "I think Black Americans have become more dependent on the system because a lot of them see the system as the only way out of their problems. Just because the system will help you doesn’t mean you have exhausted your resources. In jobs alone, when you teach people skills to find a job they primarily focus on them (the system) helping out our Black Americans instead of supporting them (Black Americans) in gaining confidence to do it themselves."

Sonya Newson: "I feel that some Black Americans have made attempts to become more independent by making efforts to use the resources that are available to assist those who need help with job training skills. But there is also those who are still struggling and remain dependent on the system. I strongly feel that Black Americans need to consider furthering their education so that they can earn a decent living. But society also has to give Black Americans an opportunity to do so."