The N.C. Press Association honored Joe Sinsheimer.

The Democratic political operative was recognized Friday for creating jimblackmustgo.com, a Web site dedicated to bringing to light information about former House Speaker Jim Black, who is set to report to federal prison officials today.

Sinsheimer received the William C. Lassiter First Amendment Award, which is given annually to a non-journalist who has worked for open government and free speech.

The award is named for William Carroll Lassiter, longtime general counsel for the press association and former Raleigh city attorney. He died in 1998.

The award, inaugurated in 1988, often goes to politicians. Previous recipients include former U.S. Rep. Cass Ballenger, state Rep. Jennifer Weiss and a Haywood County commissioner who opened public meetings.