The PEN Pod: The Propagation of Disinformation and Protocols of Protest with Suzanne Nossel
“It’s an ecosystem—a dysfunctional, polluted ecosystem. Within that ecosystem, among the most powerful actors—no question about it—are the social media companies.” More
Journalism and COVID-19: Remembering Theodore Gaffney
“He was interested in documenting the struggle of people of African descent here in the U.S. He would say, ‘If you don’t believe you can change things, you won’t… More
The PEN Pod: The Restorative Power of Black Art with Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham
“[The book] also allows us to look at how artists are processing all of the Black pain and trauma that’s inherent to the history of this country and our… More
The PEN Pod: From Trauma to Transcendence with Alice Randall
“Black joy is particularly radical, and [the book] helps you achieve some Black joy right now—it helps all people achieve some honorable, honest joy.” More
The PEN Pod: What to Expect in the Final Days Before the Election with Suzanne Nossel
“It’s going to be extremely important for people to remain patient, not to jump the gun or jump to conclusions.” More
The PEN Pod: The Power and Immediacy of Poetry with Kevin Young
“I often say that poems are the best form of transport. They change us, they move us, and they move us across time and space.” More
The PEN Pod: Nurturing Children’s Curiosity with Tami Charles
“Yes, this is a love letter to my son. Yes, this is a love letter to Black and Brown children, but this is also an affirmation to all children.” More
The PEN Pod: Finding Inspiration in History with Maaza Mengiste
“What writers and novelists force us to do in the work is to pause. . . And if there’s anything that COVID has made me consider, it’s how we… More
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PEN America On 
Literary royalty at @MilesCollege tonight with Birmingham native and National Book Award winner @imaniperry and @ALPoetLaureate Ashley M. Jones with support from @thankyou_bham. Inspiring evening. https://twitter.com/PENamerica/status/1618636171751342081
Not enough words for the eloquence and generosity of @imaniperry in person. (And her laugh, her laughter, her smile—luminous.) ✨Do so wish I’d captured the image of @ALPoetLaureate’s purple sequins glimmering in the drizzle near a street lamp at @MilesCollege tonight.
NEW today: lawmakers in at least 8 states have recently introduced bills targeting #DragShows
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/02/01/ban-drag-shows-analysis-finds-bills-targeting-them-8-states/11150196002/
This comes as all- age drag shows have become a flashpoint in America’s culture wars: