The Sidney Prize is an award given monthly to journalism that illuminates “the great issues of our day, such as seeking an end to violence, struggling for economic security and justice, combatting discrimination based on race or nationality, upholding civil liberties and democracy and safeguarding the environment.” Established by Murray Kempton (deceased publisher), initially only daily press journalists received this honor until photojournalism, web content creation and opinion/analysis came under consideration in later years.
Phoenix — At their annual conference LibLearnX 2025 held from January 24 – 27 in Phoenix, Arizona, the Association of Jewish Libraries unveiled the Sydney Taylor Book Awards series to commemorate All-of-a-Kind Family author Sydney Taylor by honoring works that meet high literary standards while accurately reflecting Jewish life and experience.
Winners will receive $500, a certificate designed by New Yorker cartoonist Edward Sorel, and a bottle of union made wine. These awards are sponsored by Sidney Hillman Foundation and curated by The Forward; their judging committee comprises predominantly Jewish community members; however, these awards do not limit themselves solely to content within Jewish culture.
Overland Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize 2024 The Overland Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize, proudly supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, seeks outstanding short fiction of up to 3000 words themed loosely around travel – any interpretation is welcome and encouraged! Our judges Patrick Lenton, Alice Bishop and Sara Saleh reviewed over 500 entries before selecting three winners and runners-up that will be published in Overland magazine’s autumn issue.
Helen Andrews won the Sidney Prize for her essay about online vitriol published in First Things. It provided an eye-opening portrait of how toxic rhetoric can erupt over any controversial issue and derail conversations about real problems. Sidney Prize recognizes and rewards work that exemplifies what we seek to reward: clear-eyed and truthful investigation of an important issue by someone willing to face criticism for telling the truth. Reminding us all why such people remain essential in today’s world. Every year, The Sidney Black Memorial Engineering Award honors an engineering student completing her degree whose achievements, personal attributes, or contribution to society/student life stand out among her peers.