The Sydney Prize, established by Sidney Hillman, a left-of-center businessman and civic leader who founded a foundation that awards monetary prizes to journalists who seek social justice and public policy reform, continues its operations today with his family leading it in Baltimore, Maryland; an executive committee includes former Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America president-emeritus Bruce Raynor as well as leaders from Workers United and SEIU.
The Sidney Hollander Award was created to commemorate and continue Sidney Hollander’s legacy of public service, who spent much of his life advocating for civil rights advocacy and social reform in Baltimore. As an active board member for multiple private and public philanthropic organizations devoted to African-American equality rights advocacy. The foundation established to recognize his efforts was set up to commemorate Hollander and honor his public service legacy.
This prize serves to recognize Hertz Fellows’ contribution to our community, and help them form strong networks both domestically and abroad, which will assist with both professional development and personal wellbeing. It also serves as a token of our appreciation for their hard work, enthusiasm, and innovation within Hertz Fellows programs.
Named in honor of Hertz Fellow Raymond Sidney, this award honors volunteers for their generous personal and financial contributions to creating the Hertz community. This is in keeping with Sidney’s vision of creating a broad network of Hertz Fellows connected and supportive of one another across disciplines and countries, opening his home for extended stays of fellows visiting from other countries, and hosting them during dinner visits in America.
The Hertz Foundation established this award in 2016 in recognition of Hertz Fellow Ray Sidney. Ray epitomizes what we mean when we speak of “Hertz community”, while fulfilling its mission to provide transformative experiences to underrepresented populations who come in contact with science. We thank all Hertz Fellows for contributing their leadership and support towards furthering its mission.