The Sidney Hillman Foundation

The Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, a predecessor union of Workers United, was lead by Sidney Hillman, who died in 1946. Hillman was an inspirational and dedicated leader. After his passing, the Executive Board of A.C.W.A voted to establish the Sidney Hillman Foundation.

Harry Belafonte congratulates Spike Lee, winner of the 2007 Hillman Prize in broadcast journalism

Through the years the Foundation has made grants for scholarships, research, and lecture series on college campuses. The Foundation is deeply concerned with the responsibilities of free press, including radio and television. Since 1950 the Hillman Prize has honoured contributors to the daily, periodic and labour press; in later years, photography, and most recently to blogging, have been added as prize categories.

The Sidney Hillman Foundation has sought to illuminate the issues of the day – from the search for lasting peace to the need for better housing, employment security, and the battle against discrimination.

Steve Buist, winner of the 2010 Canadian Hillman Award

In 2010, Workers United Canada brought the Hillman Awards to Canada. For the first time, a Canadian writer, Steve Buist, was honoured for his remarkable contribution, Code Red, which appeared in the Hamilton Spectator. Code Red uncovered the social determinants of health to examine the staggering poverty in various neighborhoods in Hamilton, demonstrating the connections that exist between poor health and poverty.

The Sidney Hillman Foundation is now accepting entries for the 2012 Canadian Hillman Award.