How free speech affirms our commitments to justice

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Dear Friend,

Today marks the launch of my new book Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech For All ([link removed][UNIQID]) , published by HarperCollins.

Amid an raging pandemic and an overdue reckoning with anti-Black violence and racism, we are witnessing a dramatic escalation in conflicts over the permissible bounds of speech, be it protest chants in the streets, the publication of critical books, or the voicing of disfavored views online, in the workplace, or in the media. The book is deeply informed by the work we've done at PEN America in recent years to explain how the drive for a more equal, inclusive, and just society can—and must—be reconciled with robust protections for free speech. I worry particularly about a rising generation that—for some valid reasons—has become skeptical of free speech as a smokescreen for hatred and needs to be persuaded that open discourse is conducive, rather than inimical, to the aims of social justice.
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My book sets out 20 principles for how we can live together in our diverse, digitized, and divided society while ensuring robust, uncompromising protections for free speech. I believe these principles are fundamental to our democracy, and that free speech and anti-racist work are mutually reinforcing, with each cause strengthened by its association with the other. Dare to Speak offers guidance for how to:
* Use language conscientiously without self-censoring ideas;
* Defend the right to express unpopular views;
* And protest without silencing speech.

You can check out some amazing blurbs and advance reviews here ([link removed][UNIQID]) . I would be so grateful for your support in spreading the word, tweeting about it (#DaretoSpeak, @suzannenossel), ordering a copy, and asking your local bookstore or library to stock it. It is also available as an ebook or audiobook.
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It would mean a lot to me to see your friendly face at one of my virtual events in the coming weeks. (Please see the complete list here) ([link removed][UNIQID]) . I look forward to speaking with the remarkable writers and thinkers who will be joining me in conversation on these important issues.

Thank you for your continued support of PEN America's work. I hope to see you at an upcoming event or to hear from you about your thoughts on the book.

All my best,
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Suzanne Nossel
CEO, PEN America


** DARE TO SPEAK: VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR WITH SUZANNE ([link removed][UNIQID])
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July 28
Politics and Prose
In conversation with Wajahat Ali
RSVP here ›› ([link removed][UNIQID])

July 29
Live Talks LA / Barnes & Noble
In conversation with Jennifer Egan
RSVP here ›› ([link removed][UNIQID])

July 30
Pasadena Literary Alliance
In conversation with Andrew Marantz, interviewed by Sewell Chan
RSVP here ›› ([link removed][UNIQID])

July 30
Buxton Books / Charleston Library Society
In conversation with Amy Salzhauer
RSVP here ›› ([link removed][UNIQID])

August 4
The Commonwealth Club
In conversation with Dave Eggers
RSVP here ›› ([link removed][UNIQID])

August 6
The New York Public Library
In conversation with Ayad Akhtar
RSVP here ›› ([link removed][UNIQID])

August 10
Booksmart Tulsa / Magic City Books
In conversation with John Schumann
RSVP here ›› ([link removed][UNIQID])

August 17
Powell’s Books
In conversation with Jacob Weisberg
RSVP here ›› ([link removed][UNIQID])

August 20
Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures with the Carnegie Library / Mystery Lovers Bookshop
In conversation with Mary Frances Cooper
Buy tickets here ›› ([link removed][UNIQID])

August 25
Town Hall Seattle / Third Place Books
In conversation with Dinaw Mengestu
RSVP here ›› ([link removed][UNIQID])

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