There is still a great need for legislation such as affirmative action to insure that all races have a chance to achieve the American dream. In 1964 Congress passed the Civil rights act, which prohibited discrimination by employers on the basis of race, sex or national origin. However, there is still work to be done, Blacks were oppressed for over three hundred years, and it is impossible to regain what was lost in 30 years. Affirmative action has helped reverse the damage to the Black economy, many Blacks are white collar worker and Blacks are attending college at a greater rate. However the wealth gap between Whites and Blacks is still lagging. Based on the United States Census of 1995 “The median White families’ income was 65 percent more than the Blacks. The median wealth for Whites was $45,740 and for Blacks it was $4,418. The median income for Blacks compared to Whites is another example why more need to be done. Economic prosperity for African Americans have been impacted by Institutionalized racism and