Literary World Celebrates Free Expression at PEN America Gala with Ruffin
The literary community gathered each year at the PEN America Literary Gala, a special event focused on literary excellence and honoring those fighting for free language and ideas.
Literary Icons Unite at PEN America Gala Hosted by Amber Ruffin
The literary community gathered each year at the PEN America Literary Gala, a special event focused on literary excellence and honoring those fighting for free language and ideas. The dinner-gala this year in New York City was particularly lively, thanks to the entertaining and spine-tickler Amber Ruffin as the host. People from many walks of life were invited, sharing one thing in common—a dedication to fighting for writers everywhere under danger.
Ms. Ruffin, best known for her clever humor and opinions on “The Amber Ruffin Show,” performed just as she did on her show. In her initial comments, she highlighted the achievements and serious work that PEN America does in protecting free speech worldwide. The fact that Ruffin was present turned the occasion into something fun as well as an important talk.
By hosting the gala, PEN America is able to raise funds for its work in supporting free speech across the United States and internationally. Its different programs help writers who are censored or imprisoned, work toward defending freedom of expression, and encourage the development of literature. Having the dinner-gala helps ensure that this work can go on.
An important part of the evening was celebrating and giving out several major awards. [Insert Fictional Recipient name] was selected as this year’s PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award winner for being imprisoned in Iran because of her satirical writing. Seeing how the recipient stood up to difficulties reminded us of how hard it can be for people in different parts of the world to speak freely. A beautiful tribute was shared for them, showing why it is important for nations to stick together in helping persecuted writers.
During the event, various distinguished writers and thinkers took the stage to reflect on the existing challenges to free expression. Their remarks ranged from addressing the proliferation of disinformation, declining trust in the media, and increasing threats to journalists and writers worldwide. These addresses were strong calls to action to authors and the literary community to remain alert and engaged in the fight for basic rights.
The dinner-gala provided a great space for interactions and conversations, and at the tables, there was effective mobilization and exchange on topics of contemporary writing, as well as sharing of personal writing experiences and the literature they engaged. Attendees were also able to connect with each other in service of PEN Americas mission. Overall, the success of the event provided excitement, and a sense of encapsulated purpose for writers, supporters, and advocates around the power of words and their free movement.
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As the evening started coming to an end, Amber Ruffin reiterated PEN America’s work and emphasized the need to continue supporting it. Overall, the 2025 Literary Gala was an empowering reminder of the role of literature and free expression in shaping an informed just society. Equally, gathering people together who are committed and impactful signified an undying commitment.
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