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Ayad Akhtar speaking at the lectern at the 2021 PEN America Literary Gala

Ayad Akhtar’s Remarks at the 2022 PEN America Literary Gala

Remarks
By: Ayad Akhtar | May 23, 2022

"Yes, speaking is at the root of it all, but we cannot only be speakers. We must be those listening, as well." More

PEN America Literary Gala Makes Energizing In-Person Return, Celebrating Bold Voices in Literature, Journalism, and Free Expression

Press ReleaseOctober 6, 2021

Literary New York stood resurrected last night after an 18-month pause at PEN America’s 2021 Literary Gala, an evening celebrating luminaries who lend their voices to clarion calls for… More

Ayad Akhtar speaking at the lectern at the 2021 PEN America Literary Gala

Ayad Akhtar’s Remarks at the 2021 PEN America Literary Gala

Remarks
By: Ayad Akhtar | October 6, 2021

“Reading, of course, is an individual act, but a culture that fosters reading and one that supports writers, invariably compels us to presence, to protest, to celebration.” More

Gail Newel and Mimi Hall headshots

2021 PEN/Benenson Courage Award: Gail Newel and Mimi Hall

ProfileSeptember 22, 2021

PEN America bestows its 2021 PEN/Benenson Courage Award on Gail Newel and Mimi Hall. More

“2020 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award” on top; below, headshots and names of Keyvan Bajan, Baktash Abtin, and Reza Khandan Mahabadi

2021 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award: Baktash Abtin, Keyvan Bajan, and Reza Khandan Mahabadi

ProfileSeptember 16, 2021

PEN America bestows its 2021 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award on Iranian writers Baktash Abtin, Keyvan Bajan, and Reza Khandan Mahabadi. More

Awkwafina headshot

Awkwafina to Host 2021 PEN America Literary Gala

Press ReleaseAugust 3, 2021

PEN America announced today that Golden Globe-winning actor, writer, producer, rapper, and comedian Awkwafina will host this year’s PEN America Literary Gala on October 5. More

Wole Soyinka headshot

Wole Soyinka to Present Award to Henry Louis Gates Jr. at PEN America Gala

Press ReleaseJune 23, 2021

PEN America announced today that acclaimed Nigerian writer, poet, and playwright Wole Soyinka will fly in from Nigeria to offer remarks at the organization’s 2021 Literary Gala celebration in… More

Photo from 2019 PEN America Literary Gala in background; on top: “PEN America Literary Gala. Tuesday, October 5, 2021”

2021 PEN America Literary Gala

Tuesday, October 5, 2021 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm ET
 More Information
headshot Henry Louis Gates Jr.

2021 PEN/Audible Literary Service Award: Henry Louis Gates Jr.

May 10, 2021

Henry Louis Gates Jr., the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center at Harvard University, is the 2021 PEN/Audible Literary Service Awardee. More

side by side images of Henry Louis Gates and Bob Iger

Henry Louis Gates Jr., Robert A. Iger Set to Receive Top Honors at This Year’s PEN America Gala

Press ReleaseMay 10, 2021

At its annual gala to take place October 5, the literary and free expression group PEN America will honor writer, critic, professor, and filmmaker Henry Louis Gates Jr. and… More

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penamerica PEN America @penamerica ·
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“PEN America applauds this bipartisan letter highlighting the egregious attacks on free expression and human rights at the hands of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman...." https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases?ID=419D8E6E-0AA9-445B-A4D5-28615C8986BEExpression (1/2)

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penamerica PEN America @penamerica ·
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While notifying “legacy” verified users their blue checks will be taken away unless they pay $8/month and insisting everyone should be treated equally, @elonmusk is boosting a secret list of users including AOC, Ben Shapiro & Catturd, reports @ZoeSchiffer https://www.platformer.news/p/the-secret-list-of-twitter-vips-getting

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penamerica PEN America @penamerica ·
5h

Saudi judges face death penalty for being 'too soft' on women's rights activists.

According to @DAWNmenaorg, six renowned Saudi judges and four former justices have been accused of "high treason" and now face the death penalty. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230324-saudi-judges-face-death-penalty-for-being-too-soft-on-womens-rights-activists/

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