Applications call for the Debra E. Bernhardt Labor Journalism Prize

It is guided by the vision of the late Debra E. Bernhardt, who worked in so many different realms to share the hidden histories of working people. As head of the Wagner Labor Archives, she reached out to an astonishing number of people and organizations, to document undocumented stories and unrecognized contributions, and to make links between past and present. The LaborArts project is dedicated to Bernhardt, and the online exhibit “Making History Personal” explores her work.

Sponsors

The New York Labor History Association and NYU’s Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives sponsor this award in order to inspire more great writing for a general audience about the history of work, workers, and their organizations. The award is co-sponsored by LaborArts; Metro New York Labor Communications Council; and the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. The contest committee is: Irwin Yellowitz, NYLHA; Rachel Bernstein, NYLHA and LaborArts; Gary Schoichet, Metro; Kate Whalen, NYC CLC; Shannon O’Neill and Michael Koncewicz, Tamiment.

Prizes

The Debra E. Bernhardt Labor Journalism Prize is an award of $1000 for an article that furthers the understanding of the history of working people.

Entry

Articles focused on historical events AND articles about current issues (work, housing, organizing, health, education) that include historical context are both welcome. The work should be published in print or online between August 26, 2019 and August 30, 2020. The contest deadline is Sunday August 30, 2020.

Eligibilities

The prize awards an insightful work that contributes to the understanding of labor history; shows creativity; demonstrates excellence in writing; adheres to the highest journalistic standards of accuracy. Only one entry per person; publications and subject matter should target the United States and Canada; neither books nor plays are eligible

How to enter?

To enter Debra E. Bernhardt Labor Journalism Prize, candidates must send an e-mail on or before Sunday August 30, 2020 to [email protected] with the following information:

• Author name
• Title of Article
• Name of Publication
• Date and Place of Publication
• URL link for article ( if no link is available, attach a pdf of the article and of the front page of the publication to your e-mail).

More information here