Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni discusses her views on censorship, voter suppression in the upcoming presidential elections, the tribute she’s organizing to celebrate Toni Morrison’s legacy, and offers a message to young black poets.
Read more...
Burmese writer Khet Mar profiles Nyein Thit, a poet and political activist who was repeatedly jailed for participating in the Hmaing Centennial Strike and the 1988 uprising. The aging poet now wishes to leave activism to focus more on his writing.
Read more...
In this week’s Pakistan Unveiled Bina Shah profiles Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto, who faced obscenity charges in Pakistan during his lifetime. After decades of being marginalized, Manto’s work is now recognized as “the literary voice of a nation.”
Read more...
Cuba has declared this year to be “The Year of Virgilio” in honor of Virgilio Piñera, a writer it once imprisoned. A pioneer of absurd literature and theater, author Horacio Castellanos Moya writes an overview of Piñera, his life and works, in this week’s column.
Read more...
After ten years in prison, Chinese writer Wang Xiaoning is being released from prison August 31. Wang was accused of “inciting subversion of state power” for his articles on publication law, election regulations, and the corrupt military system in China.
Read more...
Prior to the Jazz Poetry Concert on September 8th, City of Asylum/Pittsburgh is presenting Writers in the Garden, a celebration of local poets and the Northside community. This year’s poets include Christopher Medal-winners, Pushcart Prize-nominees and NEA Fellows.
Read more...
A video of Patrick Ness’ lecture, “Should freedom of speech ever have limits?” delivered August 20 at the Edinburgh World Writer’s Conference.
Read more...
