The esteemed Sidney Prize honors journalists and writers who advocate for social justice and public policy for the common good. Since 1950, this foundation has awarded thousands to daily press authors, periodical editors, labor leaders and book authors as well as broadcasters and photographers documenting key stories on issues ranging from peacebuilding efforts, improving housing conditions and employment security, fighting discrimination based on race or nationality or religion and fighting civil liberties issues relating to civil rights or democracy issues.
The Sidney Prize is given each month to one work of journalism published during the prior month. A panel of judges selects three entries, including one winning entry and two runners-up; this honorarium of $500 comes complete with a certificate designed by New Yorker cartoonist Edward Sorel; nominations must be made by midnight of the last day of each month and can include both journalism pieces or people. Winners will be announced on the second Wednesday. It is administered by Hillman Foundation, an anti-racism nonprofit which champions investigative reporting as well as public service efforts like SEIU Award for Reporting Racial Economic Justice Award administration by Hillman Foundation who also manages SEIU Award for Reporting Racial Economic Justice awards.
Overland Magazine’s Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize, honoring its late editor and publisher, seeks original short fiction up to 3000 words long on the theme of travel. Open to writers globally, first place will receive $5,000 cash prize; runners-up will also be published. Winner and runners-up will be notified in early February 2025.
Ron Rash is a writer and professor at Western Carolina University. His short stories and novels include Burning Bright, which won the 2010 Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award, and Chemistry which was shortlisted for the 2007 PEN/Faulkner Award. Additionally, Ron was twice honored with O. Henry Prize awards; moreover in 2020 was honored with John Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Studies from Mercer University Spencer B King Center for Southern Studies as a John Parris Distinguished Professor. Currently working on writing Sidney Lanier bio.