2019 LitFest Gala: Levar Burton’s Tribute to Toni Morrison
In an intimate tribute to Toni Morrison at the 2019 LitFest Gala in Los Angeles, acclaimed actor and author LeVar Burton honored the late writer's legacy. More
Salman Rushdie and Marlon James Discuss Language, Reality, and Nostalgia at PEN Out Loud
"I want to go to work and think, okay, I've got a little thread to tug on. And I want to tug on it and see what is on… More
Works of Justice: A Question of Justice
Many Americans agree that our criminal justice system needs thorough reform—but how can public sentiment lead to effective systemic changes? On May 11, 2019, as part of the PEN… More
Winners’ Speeches from the 2019 Literary Awards Ceremony
Watch videos and read transcripts of the 2019 PEN America Literary Award winners' acceptance speeches. More
Jackie MacMullan at the 2019 PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony
Jackie MacMullan was awarded the PEN/ESPN Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Literary Awards Ceremony. Watch her speech and read the transcript. More
Jonah Mixon-Webster at the 2019 PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony
Jonah Mixon-Webster was awarded the PEN/Osterweil Award for Poetry at the 2019 Awards Ceremony. Watch his speech and read the transcript. More
Kenneth Lonergan at the 2019 PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony
Kenneth Lonergan was awarded the PEN/Mike Nichols Award at the 2019 Literary Awards Ceremony. Watch his speech and read the transcript below. More
Larissa FastHorse at the 2019 PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony
Larissa FastHorse was awarded the PEN/Laura Pels Award at the 2019 PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony. Watch her speech and read the transcript. More
PEN America President Jennifer Egan Calls for Justice for Jamal Khashoggi
We can best honor Jamal’s life, his work, and his ultimate sacrifice by insisting upon our right to speak the truth and by protecting those who speak it. More
Ai Weiwei: Why Do the Powerful Fear Poets?
Globally lauded artist and activist Ai Weiwei accepts PEN America’s Artistic Expression Award at their 2018 LitFest Gala. More
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The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on Monday urged authorities in Albania to further amend a draft law on a new registration system for online media: https://bit.ly/36mdIUn via @AssociatedPress.
That didn't last long: good for #HongKong panel of international experts who resigned en masse rather than offering cover for police excesses and a complete stonewalling of accountability https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/12/11/breaking-international-experts-quit-hong-kong-investigation-police-handling-protests/?fbclid=IwAR2TJFj7yPE9-AH8H8hcgAtUWSdJ_XEgWpmDiP3IC_T-LVvY_jmg69Yv3po
A senior United Nations official urged Ethiopia on Monday to stop shutting off the internet without legal basis and revise a draft law meant to curb hate speech to ensure it protects freedom of speech: https://bit.ly/2qF9Crr via @Reuters.