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
The PEN Pod: Everywhere You Don’t Belong with Gabriel Bump
“What I hope that we can gain from this moment and the Black Lives Matter movement in general is that all Black lives matter.” More
The PEN Pod: How We Write Our Survival with Lisa Ko
“Even when the future does feel uncertain, like right now, it feels important to. . . imagine a future for ourselves as well as our characters.” More
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As we approach #BannedBooksWeek, PEN America is dedicated to fighting against censorship. Make your gift and support the #FreedomToWrite today. https://bit.ly/3i1gy6F
Political rhetoric from Trump & the US AG is trickling down, bolstering federal prosecutorial efforts to build a national police power and to impose extreme penalties on protesters. Penalties for First Amendment activity have risen since Trump took office. https://www.npr.org/2020/09/27/917424823/critics-say-federal-prosecutors-are-pushing-the-envelope-with-protest-charges