City Limits writer wins Kowal Award for
incarcerated mothers story
Jill Kirschenbaum, Senior Editor of the urban affairs magazine City Limits has been chosen as the winner of the Chapter's fourth annual Carroll Kowal Journalism Award for her article, "The Long Road Home," which appeared in the November, 1993 issue of the magazine. The Kowal Award recognizes outstanding contributions in the print or broadcast media that improve the public's knowledge of social conditions in New York City.
Ms. Kirschenbaum accepted a crystal trophy and a $500 savings bond at a reception sponsored by Chemical Bank at its World Headquarters on November 9.
"The Long Road Home" sheds light on the Catch 22's facing incarcerated mothers in their attempts to keep their families intact while battling the bureaucratic red tape that threatens to make temporary separations permanent. Members of the Kowal Award jury found Ms. Kirschenbaum's article "startling and informative," highlighting an issue that has not been in the forefront of public policy debate.
Prior to joining the staff of CityLimits in 1992, Ms. Kirschenbaum was a free-lance writer, reporting on social issues as well as the arts. She received a 1991 Newswomen's Club of New York Front Page Award for her Newsday Magazine article about the effects of Agent Orange on the children of Vietnam veterans. Her work has appeared in a wide variety of publications including Ms., Premiere, Working Woman, Elle, and Business Ethics.
Candidates for the Carroll Kowal Journalism Award are journalists in either the print or broadcast media who have contributed to the understanding of social conditions in New York City and related efforts in the delivery of services in health and social welfare. The award is given on the basis of a distinguished example of objectivity, fairness, interest and enhancing the public's understanding of social issues.
The award is named for Carroll Kowal, an outstanding social worker who was a dedicated leader in social welfare and housing policy. In 1988, Ms. Kowall was elected President of the Chapter, but due to a fatal illness, never served.
Past winners of the award include Susan Sheehan of The New Yorker, Sam Roberts of The New York Times, and Michael Robbins of New York Magazine.
Entries for the 1995 Carroll Kowal Award may be made by any individual, for material appearing in a newspaper, magazine, television or radio broadcast between July 1, 1994 and June 30, 1995. Information on the nomination process will appear in future issues of Currents.