Hollander, Sidney, 1881-1972

The Sidney Hollander Foundation was established in December, 1941, as a sixtieth birthday gift from the children of Sidney Hollander, Sr., a Baltimore humanitarian whose name it honors. Funds were donated, however, no use was made of the funds until after World War II when it was agreed to present an annual award for " an outstanding contribution toward the achievement of equal rights and opportunities for Negroes in Maryland". Each year a jury of interested Marylanders selected the recipients for the award, and at its discretion, one or more honorable mentions. The trustees took no part in the selection, beyond interpreting the criteria established for the award, an exception, however, is indicated for the 1962 award. The honoree received a certificate and a monetary award.

After twelve years it was clear that the nominations solicited from prominent persons throughout the city, documented the civil rights history of Baltimore. The Foundation's records were therefore turned over to Baltimore Sun editorial writer, Edgar Jones, who wrote a history of desegregation in Baltimore, entitled "Toward Equality; Baltimore's Progress Report." This publication and the original manuscript along with annual supplements, are a part of the collection. Correspondence under this series will reveal the impact of this publication on local state and national levels.

In 1964 it was decided that the award was anachronistic, since the objective and purpose of the foundation had been superseded by the civil rights movement. It was discontinued in that year.

From the guide to the Sidney Hollander Foundation Records, 1941-1964, (Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University)