PEN America and Milkweed Editions are pleased to present a conversation about international solidarity and the responsibility of the creative community in times of democratic strain. Featuring Burhan Sönmez, President of PEN International; Dinaw Mengestu, President of PEN America; Victorica Blanco, accomplished author and creative writing professor; and Padma Lakshmi, acclaimed author and television personality, the event will explore how writers, artists, and cultural workers sustain one another across borders—and how global networks of support can provide both visibility and protection to those under pressure. Grounded in the specific realities facing writers in Minnesota, the discussion will highlight the power of storytelling, food, and shared cultural space to build resilience, deepen community ties, and affirm that attacks on creative expression anywhere are a concern for artists everywhere.
