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World Press Freedom Day: Detroit, MI

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World Press Freedom Day 2019: Detroit

In partnership with Pages Bookshop, join PEN America Members, writers, and local journalists as they gather to celebrate and recognize World Press Freedom Day in Detroit.

Participants, including poet and author Joel Fluent Greene and author, founder of Motown Writers Sylvia Hubbard, and Detroit native and storyteller Amber Ogden, will be reading excerpts of important journalistic and literary pieces that emphasize the importance of the free press, culminating in the reading of PEN America’s Press Freedom Manifesto, which we hope will serve to inspire and unite writers across all genres at in support of journalism as a vital form of storytelling. 

The event is free and open to the public.

Want to spread the word? Download the PEN America Press Freedom Manifesto and visit our digital activation toolkit!


Joel Greene PhotoJoel Fluent Greene is a Detroit based Poet, Author and Event Curator. A Spirit Of Detroit Award winner, Joel was the long running host of Detroit’s iconic Cafe Mahogany poetry nights and has shared the stage with acts such as The Roots, Pharrell Williams, The Last Poets, Big Sean, and many more. Joel is currently creative writing instructor at Mariner’s Inn, a shelter and treatment center located in Detroit.

Sylvia HubbardSylvia Hubbard, Detroit Author & Founder of Motown Writers, has published over 40 books on suspense romance. As an avid blogger, Sylvia has received numerous awards and recognition for her work, plus has had five #1 Bestsellers. She has spoken all over the U.S. & Canada on literary, blogging & busy mom subjects. Learn more at her website.

Amber OgdenAmber Ogden is a Detroit native and is storytelling, wordsmith eating, breathing and sleeping everything in Detroit! With a background in social work she found her passion for writing through lifestyle and travel pieces. Recently, transitioning back into journalism, she has found her true passion again.

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