This paper examines the concept of human completion, as applied to both the African and the Afro-American experience, and how the search for completion by the individual influences the collective society. The theoretical concepts of Paulo Freire and Albert Memmi are applied to both groups. Both groups have been denied equal opportunity for education and self-realization. Voting has been used as a means to achieve social and educational goals but has been ineffective when it was not combined with the education necessary to provide critical analytical skills. The search for self-liberation has led to social conflict, as the power structure has prevented the minority from achieving its goals. The conclusions drawn include: (1) that collective action is not possible without individual action, which in turn depends upon the education of individuals; (2) that affirmative action programs are vital in assisting blacks in achieving education; (3) that collective action appears to be fading in the face of uncertain hope for individual achievement; and (4) that colonization still exists in the continued denial of equal opportunity. The problems inhibiting black progress in both groups are: (1) lack of meaningful employment; (2) shortage of housing; (3) breakdown of the family; (4) poverty; and (5) the resurgence of racism. (NL)