16-05-2025
Amber Ruffin, Sarah Jessica Parker Advocate for Free Speech at 2025 PEN America Gala
Amber Ruffin, Sarah Jessica Parker and more called for free speech at the 2025 PEN America Literary Gala on May 15 in New York City
The annual ceremony, hosted by the literary nonprofit, honored 'the freedoms to write, read and speak," as well as the "defenders of these rights at a perilous moment"
Ruffin hosted the event, and Parker was one of multiple honorees recognized for their work in service of readers, literature and freedom of expressionLiterary supporters, including Amber Ruffin and Sarah Jessica Parker, called for the right to free speech at the 2025 PEN America Literary non-profit organization, which advocates for writers and free speech, hosted their annual gala on May 15 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Per a statement shared with PEOPLE, the ceremony celebrates 'the freedoms to write, read and speak' and honors "defenders of these rights at a perilous moment.'Ruffin, who hosted the event, spoke about the importance of freedom of expression in her opening monologue.'Free speech is something we have to fight for. We can joke about it — until we can't,' she said. 'That's the reality of where we're at right now.'
The writer and comedian recently made headlines when her invitation to perform at the White House Correspondents' dinner was rescinded in March. The event, hosted by the White House Correspondents' Association, typically invites a featured comedian, but decided to forgo the tradition for their 2025 an email sent to WHCA members on March 29, as obtained by NPR, association president Eugene Daniels stated the organization wanted to 'ensure the focus is not on the politics of division,' but on awarding colleagues for 'their outstanding work.'
'I am officially a banned book,' Ruffin said. 'They booked me and then they banned me.'The Gala's 2025 honorees included Parker, who accepted the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award. In addition to her role as founder of the book imprint SJP Lit, Parker was recognized as an executive producer on the 2025 documentary film The Librarians, about the nationwide book censorship crisis.
'To censor a book is to limit imagination, curiosity, connection, empathy and inspiration,' Parker said. 'Libraries aren't just buildings with shelves, they are sanctuaries of possibility.'
Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest America also awarded Wesleyan University President Michael Roth with the PEN/Berenson Courage Award, for his advocacy in support of higher education and 'commitment to academic freedom.' Macmillan Publishers CEO Jon Yaged received the Business Visionary Award for his dedication to publishing diverse authors and 'igniting a lifelong love of reading in young people' throughout his foundation also recognized the poet and activist Galal El-Behairy with the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. The writer has been imprisoned in Egypt for seven years for his work, which was critical of the country's government. El-Behairy's sister accepted the award on his behalf.'We see fear spreading — not just among those under direct attack, but among so many who hear the message loud and clear: Stay quiet, or YOU could be next,' PEN America Interim Co-CEO Summer Lopez said in her remarks.'At PEN America, we refuse to stay quiet. We know what happens when people and institutions obey in advance. So we do not flinch — we do the work.'
Read the original article on People
