How much longer should Affirmative Action be in place?

I was talking to an ociate the other day. He felt that his people did not need to be "Babied anymore" I agreed.....He made a point that America was far enough along to make this change. Also he made a good point that black males and women would feel more accomplished, knowing that they did it on there own...... Is this a veiw from a successful black man or is it beginning to be a common outlook?