It’s our biggest night of the year — tune in live and support our work

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Dear Friend,

Tomorrow’s a day I’ve been looking forward to for more than two years. We haven’t had an in-person gala since 2019, and while we were overjoyed to celebrate virtually last year, nothing compares to being together, uplifting and defending the freedom to write.

Finally, that moment will come Tuesday night here in New York City. We'll be honoring illustrious luminaries like game-changing historian Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., corporate icon Bob Iger, and courageous public health experts Mimi Hall and Gail Newel. And among our presenters, we'll have stars like acclaimed award-winning actress Jodie Foster and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka; actor, singer, songwriter, and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda; and of course, our host for the evening, the award-winning actress, writer, and producer Awkwafina.

We’re taking every precaution to have a festive—and safe—gathering. Now more than ever, the gala is crucial in supporting our work. Even if you can’t be there, your contribution today sends a signal: that amid these difficult, uncertain times, you feel as strongly as I do that free speech and free expression need a robust defense. ([link removed])

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But among those who can’t be with us in person are our PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award winners—Baktash Abtin, Keyvan Bajan, and Reza Khandan Mahabadi—all three of whom are currently being held in Evin Prison for bravely defending free expression and supporting their fellow writers in Iran.

Your continued support gives us the resources we need to demand their freedom. In fact, of the 48 jailed writers who have received our award since 1987, 44 have been released due in part to the global attention and pressure the award generates. ([link removed])

That’s a pretty damn good track record. Your support makes it possible. ([link removed])

In solidarity,

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Suzanne Nossel
PEN America CEO

PS -- Your gift today can help lead to freedom for writers tomorrow. Every dollar counts. ([link removed])
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