Economic hardship can impact voting patterns and voter turnout. But it can affect so much more, and even tarnish the very model of upward mobility that American society is built on.
This is especially true in the African-American community, where faith in the American system of social advancement is viewed with skepticism in the best of times.
A history of discrimination and poverty has taught African-Americans that following the rules and working hard is not always a failure-proof formula for success.
"I felt like somebody stabbed me in the heart," said Willa Booker. "It's just like someone is taking your life away, and there is nothing you can do to get it back."
After 17 years of continuous employment, and stellar performance reviews, Willa Booker was fired in one day.
There was a budget cut at the county hospital where she worked in the administration branch.
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