2017 Literary Gala: Suzanne Nossel
PEN is an organization of words. But we know when it’s time for action. More
2017 Literary Gala: John Sargent, PEN Publisher Honoree
It is easy to feel safe, and it is easy to be safe. But as we face these decisions, I hope we will stand for what is right, not… More
2017 Literary Gala: The Women’s March, PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award
This intergenerational, intersectional, women-led movement continues, and we ask that all of you stand with us in solidarity to continue to harness the political power of diverse women. More
2017 Literary Gala: Oleg Sentsov, PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award
Oleg Sentsov is but 1 of 44 Ukrainian prisoners who are incarcerated in Russia today ... He asks that, when you speak of him, you don’t forget the others. More
2017 Literary Gala: Alan Cumming
I’m in prison, and like any prisoner, it is very difficult for me to answer a simple childish question: “Daddy, when are you coming home?” More
2017 Literary Gala: Rita Dove
To me, a Great America is an America that values the arts and the humanities. If you feel the same way, please join me now in defending these Endowments. More
2017 Literary Gala: Stephen Sondheim, PEN/Allen Foundation Literary Service Award
But then I thought: There are other repressions besides political ones. There’s the repression of imagination fostered by parents who don’t understand or teachers who aren’t interested. More
2017 Literary Gala: Andrew Solomon
Literature has kept the idea of freedom alive in societies where freedom is forcibly annihilated. If the truth can remain vitalized, it can be shouted from the rooftops. More
Natalie Scenters-Zapico: Because They Lack Country
2017 PEN/Joyce Osterweil Award for Poetry winner Natalie Scenters-Zapico reads her poem "Because They Lack Country" at the 2017 PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony, with musical accompaniment by Ernesto… More
Scene from Suzan-Lori Parks’s Play “Topdog/Underdog”
Actors Matthew J. Harris and Tyrone Mitchell Henderson perform a scene from playwright Suzan-Lori Parks' play "Topdog/Underdog". More