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America Speaks

America Speaks

Marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

Participate in a free speech multimedia project with your ideas about free expression.

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What does freedom of expression mean to you?

Every individual’s voice makes up the whole of our country. That’s why we’re highlighting free expression for the United States’ 250th anniversary. We’re collecting stories from people all across the country and compiling them into an anthology demonstrating the diversity and expansiveness of our collective expression. To add your voice to this moment in history, all you have to do is send us your answers to a few questions. 

PEN America Co-CEO Summer Lopez introduces America Speaks

Free speech, free expression, the First Amendment. At PEN America, we talk about these every day. But this year, we’re creating a place to listen, too. It’s called America Speaks. It’s a new project we’re launching to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

Play video to hear from Summer

1

A smiling couple sits close together on a couch, looking at a laptop screen. The man has his arm around the woman, and they both appear happy and engaged with what they are viewing on the computer.

Pick the questions you’d like to answer from the list below

2

A person typing on a laptop at a white desk, with only their hands and arms visible. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the act of typing.

Record an audio clip or type your answers (250 words max)

3

A white computer keyboard with a large blue Submit key replacing the usual Enter key.

Upload your file through the form on this page and submit

A close-up image of the original United States Declaration of Independence, dated July 4, 1776, showing elegant handwritten script and the title at the top.

Submit your story to America Speaks

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What Americans are saying about free expression today

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“Freedom of expression is the foundation of our shared democratic life.”

Voices from Across America

“Freedom of expression, to me, is the first freedom—the one that lets us argue about all the rest. ”

Want to hear more? New voices will be added weekly.

Follow along for the latest from America Speaks.

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What We Do

PEN America celebrates literature and defends free expression.