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
New Tennessee Law Represents Blow to Free Speech and Assembly Rights
“To Tennessee officials, we say: Stop making it easier to arrest protesters. It is your job to safeguard constitutional rights, not tread on them.” More
Free Speech 2020: An Interview with Nupol Kiazolu, President of Black Lives Matter Greater NY
“I just really want people—young people all around the world—to know that your voice is powerful, your voice holds weight, and your voice can change the world.” More
The PEN Pod: Tough Questions with Suzanne Nossel
“We absolutely cannot let our guard down, and we’re in uncharted territory in terms of a president who is willing to flout the First Amendment.” More
Federal Authorities’ Conduct Against Protesters and Reporters in Portland “Gross Violations of the First Amendment”
“The actions unfolding in Portland are aimed not only at silencing dissent, but also silencing the reporters and journalists working to reveal what’s happening on the ground.” More
The PEN Pod: Tough Questions with Suzanne Nossel
“There are people who have fought against authoritarian overreach around the world—how do they feel about it now that it’s happening in American cities?” More
Free Speech 2020
Throughout 2020, PEN America is standing up for free speech and your right to speak out. Join us to defend press freedom, fight online harassment, combat disinformation, and uphold… More
Alert Us
Are you an artist at risk or know someone who is?
PEN America On 
Keep calm and curl up with a good book about #democracy, #disinformation, or #votingrights--it's at least more soothing than Twitter! @PENamerica has some suggestions.
https://pen.org/what-to-expect-when-youre-electing-reading-list/
NEW: Yet another member of @pen_belarus has been detained for speaking out against the Belarusian government. Poet Dmitry Strotsev was sentenced to 13 days in prison after taking part in a peaceful demonstration.
Our statement. https://pen.org/press-release/poet-and-pen-belarus-member-imprisoned-for-demonstrating/
In the leadup to #Election2020 we're turning to the words of writers for their perspectives on how to use their voices for change. Hear from @rokwon for @ellemagazine, on the discipline of hope and the power of collective action https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a34384183/ro-kwon-activism-essay/