 Many photographers during this time illustrated protests and acts of violence in the effort for racial equality, however, Hickman's portrayal of everyday life is a less prevalent theme.The style of photography adopted by Hickman has since become important in recounting the breadth of the Civil Rights Movement.By demonstrating the day-to-day struggles of African American communities, photography historians have argued that they provide "a more inclusive and nuanced appreciation of the diversity of [Civil Rights Movement] participants and their activities."