This artwork is a part of the artist's series on stereotyping, and specifically addresses the racism prevalent during the Jim Crow era. Titled "Civil Progress" like "Rising Above the Fray" it aims to confront and challenge the racial prejudices of then and now. 

The skin color of the black male figure in the artwork is depicted using a variety of colors, while still distinctly representing African descent. This portray underscores the diversity within the African diaspora while maintaining a unifying presence. 

The presence of the Sambo images in the background serves as a reminder of the era through which African Americans had to endure. Historically, Sambo imagery was used in American advertising to portray black individuals as ignorant servants, perpetuating racist stereotypes. 

The chains depicted in the artwork symbolize the struggles that people of color had to overcome in order to surmount the obstacles imposed upon them. It represents the fight for freedom, equality, and liberation from the oppressive systems and structures of racism. 

The kaleidoscopic background pattern, composed of images of little black yard jockeys, adds another layer of symbolism. Yard jockeys were historically used as decorative lawn ornaments, often depicting caricatures of black individuals. The inclusion of these images in the kaleidoscope pattern highlights lithe dehumanizing and objectifying representations that black people have faced throughout history. 

Collectively, this artwork challenges racial stereotypes and confronts the injustices of the Jim Crow era. It prompts viewers to reflect on the progress made in civil rights while acknowledging the ongoing struggles for equality and the need to overcome deeply ingrained prejudices.