The Hillman Prize for Investigative Reporting and Deep Storytelling
For more than four decades, the Sydney Prize has honored individuals who use their academic training to enrich the lives of people in their communities. Past winners have created Asian-centered classroom materials; worked for student or faculty exchanges with universities in Asia; arranged community lectures and discussion groups on topics related to Asian culture; organized film series, children’s story hours, museum exhibitions and library exhibits; volunteered at schools or hospitals in the local community; and supported intercultural activities such as language learning programs, citizen to citizen cultural exchanges, or a myriad of other projects.
Since 1950, the Hillman Foundation has awarded a yearly monetary prize to “journalists, writers and public figures who pursue investigative reporting and deep storytelling in service of social justice and the common good.” The organization was founded in honor of Sidney Hillman, president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (a predecessor union to Unite Here and Workers United, SEIU). It’s a left-of-center organization led by Bruce Raynor, an executive board member of both Workers United and Unite Here and former chairman of the Democratic Party.
The Hillman Prize is designed to recognize investigative reporting that draws attention to a specific social injustice and leads to meaningful public policy change. The judges look for discernment in selecting a significant news story, resourcefulness and courage in reporting on the story and skill in relating the story to an audience. The competition is open to both online and print media, including but not limited to national and international newspapers, magazines, television and radio broadcasts.
Winners will receive $500 and a copy of the issue in which their work is published. The winning entry will also be featured on the Overland website. Two runners-up will each receive $750. Submissions will be accepted from writers nationwide and internationally at any stage in their careers. They may be submitted in English and can be up to 3000 words long. The deadline for submissions is June 30.
The 2024 Sydney Taylor Book Awards have been announced. Check out the full list of winners, or purchase gold and silver seals to place on your own copies of winning titles here.