With trenchant analysis of the past and present, this special symposium will provide vital insight about the future of free expression. The speakers will reflect on milestone moments in PEN America’s history and current-day instances of silencing, charting the ways in which writing and free speech are being challenged through book bans, educational gag orders, online harassment, self-censorship, and the detention of journalists and artists worldwide. Join PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel and President Ayad Akhtar for Words on Fire: Writing, Freedom, and the Future, an afternoon of public conversation with world-renowned authors and staunch advocates for the freedom to write including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Margaret Atwood, Jenny Finney Boylan, Dave Eggers, and Salman Rushdie.

Over the last 100 years, PEN America has mobilized countless writers, activists, and public intellectuals in the fight to defend free expression and the open exchange of ideas. A VIP reception will follow the symposium with limited tickets available for purchase. New York City students are eligible for discounted tickets. Please note: PEN America Members should email for more information about complimentary member tickets. Special symposium event celebrating PEN America’s centenary, at the New-York Historical Society.

∗ PEN America is working with those closest to Salman Rushdie to determine how the Symposium can best honor his work and voice as he recovers from severe injuries in an attack chillingly linked to the themes of this event and PEN America’s work to defend and celebrate free expression. New-York Historical Society 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024 (212) 873-3400

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