Alexis Payne
"Organizations like City of Asylum form relationships between persecuted writers and writers in countries that have freedom of speech. These relationships reduce the 'us versus them' mentality and bring us closer to those who have been challenged for their words."
April Yoder
"Sanctuary is probably the most important thing for a writer in exile. The writers at Sampsonia Way were definitely scared. What they need is comfort and a guarantee that they'll be safe. Khet Mar said that the biggest difference between Burma and the United States was safety."
Jessica Ignasky
"Through City of Asylum people are able to learn what life is like for writers in other countries. The program provides a cultural experience for everyone while offering peace to the exiled writer. It's a win-win."
Madeline Colker
"Freedom of speech is the most important thing for humans. If we can't say what we need to say, then how can anything be done? Writing is a way to get your thoughts on paper and express your views; that is also freedom of speech. But if you can't do that it's like you aren't allowed to think. You're just lost inside your mind."
Ranna Billingsley
"To have international writers in the community is very important because they show the local people other writing and other ways of doing things outside of America. It expands your education. This exchange of knowledge is really cool."
Taylor Fife
"City of Asylum gives the opportunity for young people like myself to learn about writers in exile. The program sets an example by showing the Northside community how we can help others, no matter how far away they are, or the differences between us."
Mollie March-Steinman
"Taking away a writer's freedom of expression is like taking away a singer's vovice. Writing is the most important thing to the people City of Asylum sponsors. In the unjust countries where these writers come from, the ability to write is crucial...A place like city of Asylum embraces them and encourages them to express themselves freely."
Student's experiences
Taylor Johnson: "It's important to show the community that you have to look past the pretty [house paintings] and really understand why someone would paint their home with Chinese poetry. It's important for individuals to understand their [community's] past."
Outside Khet Mar's House
Students asking questions to khet Mar, City of Asylum/Pittsburgh's writer-in-residence.
On May 16, 2011, about 30 students from CAPA, a creative and performing arts magnet school in Pittsburgh’s downtown Cultural District, visited City of Asylum/Pittsburgh’s headquarters in the Northside.
Their teacher Lynn Marsico explained the idea behind the visit: “Students need to realize that there are writers in this world who do not share the freedom of expression that we have in the United States. Visiting City of Asylum can broaden their world view and encourage them to think more deeply about what it means to be a writer.”
Under the guidance of Henry Reese the students toured Sampsonia Way, stopping at the headquarters of COA/P and Sampsonia Way magazine, and the houses of the organization’s writers in residence.
After their visit, the students had some questions and several things that they wanted to say about freedom of speech, COA/P, and the program’s importance for writers and the community.
Sampsonia Way sat down with eight writing students from CAPA and asked them what they thought. Excerpts from their responses are presented in the slideshow above.
