The battle to defend free speech can't be won just in NYC, LA or Washington. That's why PEN America has gone cross country.
Friend,
In the message below, LeVar Burton talks about the importance of amplifying silenced voices. With more than 7,200 members across all 50 states, PEN America is dedicated to making waves in the fight for free speech. This year we launched new chapters in Detroit, Birmingham, Dallas, Austin, and the Piedmont region of North Carolina with more to come in 2020.

PEN Across America ([link removed][UNIQID]) stands up for freedom of expression by equipping members and their allies with tools—public programming, training, campaigns, workshops, and civic forums—to mobilize and support free speech at the local level. But we need your help. Donate today and support PEN America as we equip communities across the nation with the tools they need to stand up for free speech.

DONATE TO PROTECT FREE SPEECH: [link removed][UNIQID]

Deborah Wilson
Chief Development Officer, PEN America
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Dear Deborah,

Just a few weeks ago, I had the honor of celebrating Toni Morrison at PEN America’s 2019 LitFest Gala in Los Angeles. Toni was a long-time PEN America member, dedicated to her fellow writers and the cause of literature.

I like to think of her as a literary lioness.

PEN America amplifies voices like Toni’s that need to be heard. ([link removed][UNIQID]) Toni shared her wisdom, talent and truth with the world, but first and foremost she was unreservedly and unapologetically Black. In her characters, I could see my own family and I could see myself, validating my very existence. Protecting writing like Toni’s—and the access to such writing—is what makes PEN America’s work crucial.
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Supporting PEN America means supporting writers and their freedom to create and express their views, as well as ensuring unobstructed access to the views, ideas, and literature of others for all people. This free expression allows us to access new ideas, new points of view, and, for many, affords them the chance to see themselves for the first time.

Will you join me in making a donation to PEN America, celebrating the impact of essential writing like Toni’s? ([link removed][UNIQID])

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Your gift will enable PEN to elevate voices like Toni’s, ensuring free expression for writers and artists around the world.

If we have to live in a world without Toni Morrison, I am glad organizations like PEN are around to lift up writers following in her footsteps. ([link removed][UNIQID])

Thank you for your support,

LeVar Burton

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