The PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award was established in 2015 to honor exceptional acts of courage in the exercise of freedom of expression. The award is granted after consultations among PEN America staff and Trustees with specific relevant expertise on matters of freedom of expression. In some cases, outside expertise from PEN America’s Membership, partner organizations, and network of contacts is enlisted to inform internal analysis and deliberations. All final decisions regarding award determination and recipients are made by the Executive Committee of the PEN America Board of Trustees.
Honorees
2018 PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award: Cameron Kasky, Samantha Fuentes, and Zion Kelly
As part of their campaign, Kasky, Fuentes, and Kelly have forthrightly confronted the outsized impact of gun violence in black, Latino, and poor communities and the hurdles confronting communities of color in having their stories heard and amassing the political power to drive change. More…
2017 PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom Of Expression Courage Award: The Women’s March
The Women’s March helped galvanize a potent global movement to resist infringements on the rights and dignity of women and many other groups. More…
2016 PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award: Lee-Anne Walters and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha
At the 2016 PEN Literary Gala, Lee-Anne Walters and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha of Flint, Michigan, will receive the 2016 PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award, which was established in 2014 to honor exceptional acts of courage in the exercise of freedom of expression. Ms. Walters and Dr. Hanna-Attisha were two essential voices in exposing the lead poisoning More…
2015 PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award
Charlie Hebdo “Being shocked is a part of democratic debate. Being shot is not.” -Gerárd Biard, Editor-in-Chief of Charlie Hebdo (Read the full remarks from the 2015 PEN Gala award presentation here.) At the 2015 PEN Literary Gala, Paris-based satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo will be honored with the PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage More…