While many of us were home watching the state capitol budget/labor protests on TV last year, John Nichols was on the ground – talking, recording and observing it all for posterity.
For those efforts, as well as his years of work as a journalist, blogger and book author, Nichols recently earned the prestigious 2011 James Aronson Award in Social Justice Journalism.
The presentation ceremony was held April 18 at Hunter College in New York and commends his years of work at “tracking the intersection of politics, media and social change.”
Nichols provided “indispensable on-the-ground coverage from Madison’s ‘ground zero’ in the war for labor rights,” explained a press release from Hunter College.
In particular, it is Nichols’ work at the protests, “in a year marked by a ruthless assault on labor unions and public workers,” that earned him the coveted 2011 Aronson Award.
Previous recipients of the Aronson Award include investigative reporter Seymour Hersh and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman.
Nichols, a 1977 graduate of Union Grove Union High School, is the Washington correspondent for the Nation magazine, a commentator for MSNBC, longtime editor at The Capital Times and a contributing writer to other publications.
Katrina vanden Heuvel, the Nation’s editor and publisher, wrote Hunter College to nominate Nichols for the award.
“It’s no wonder Gore Vidal once said of John, ‘Of all the giant slayers now afoot in the great American desert, John Nichols’ sword is the sharpest,’ ” vanden Heuvel said.
“I love that he wields that sword while brandishing principle and passion as his shield.”
Nichols grew up and received his early education in Union Grove. He often credits his Union Grove grade and high school teachers for encouraging his interest in writing and politics, said his mother Mary Nichols, of Union Grove.
The Aronson Award is named for long-time journalist James Aronson, who was noted for his commitment to world peace, social justice and human dignity.
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“The Aronson Award is named for long-time journalist James Aronson, who was noted for his commitment to world peace, social justice and human dignity.”
A Marxist who hated America’s freedom and loved dictators in Cuba China and the Soviet Union amongst others. Dictators who killed and brutally ruled over millions Marxist giving awards to other Marxists. What a proud moment.
Didn’t your mother teach you if you don’t have anything good to say keep your mouth shut. You probly haven’t done anything close to what John has accomplished.