A brief question-and-answer session followed the panel discussion.

In response to an inquiry on the Nation of Islam, Hurt said: "What's attractive about the Nation of Islam is they not only lend a sense of urgency to the Black man, but they give the easy answer. The reason is always, "The Jews traded you as slaves.'"

Alvin L. Bragg '95, former BSA president, noted that the organization had revitalized sections of New York's East Harlem.

"The argument still doesn't make the muster," Hurt replied.

Student reactions to the panelists varied.

Clarke said she believed Preston was trying to dramatically underline the importance of independent Black businesses.

"Ms. Preston was trying to emphasize [that] it is more valuable to take on independent ventures as opposed to merely working for someone else," Clarke said.

"Her comments that Blacks are lazy are not to be taken at face value," Clarke said. "The thrust of her argument is to emphasize that some Blacks are not using their full potential."

Carlos K. Whiteman '95 said he enjoyed the speech.

"If we're talking about constructive ideas in the Black community," Whiteman said, "we have to embrace the traditional mechanisms of power."