A Night of Art, Books, and Advocacy at PEN America's New Year, New Books Party

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, promises abound, and among them, the commitment to "read more books" takes its perennial place. Last year, I made this resolution, dedicating myself to the growing collection of signed, collectible books adorning my shelves. I pledged to nurture my love for literature through continued writing and advocacy. In the whirlwind of planning for the upcoming year, finding time for reading can be a challenge, but I've been contemplating the notion of the book as an indispensable luxury—a cornerstone of modern living.

Thankfully, in the first month of the New Year, 2024, support networks are already in motion. The PEN America Los Angeles chapter hosted an extraordinary event on the evening of January 26th in the heart of Hollywood, California. The New Year, New Books Party unfolded at the Sean Kelly Gallery just off Sunset and Highland, drawing in book enthusiasts of all kinds.

Amidst fellow members and literary luminaries, the night unfolded with engaging conversations, literary camaraderie, and a profound commitment to defending the right to express oneself through writing. The main exhibition hall featured the work of artist Jose Dávila, showcasing his large-scale photographic series, "Photographic Memory." Dávila's signature cut-out works, inspired by Richard Prince's influential Untitled (cowboy) series, prompted contemplation on originality, appropriation, and the essence of truth within an image.

In the midst of this artistic ambiance, I had the pleasure of connecting with many Emerging Voices, including Robert Lee Horn, the French Horn Emeritus of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Symphony. He shared his compelling new memoir, "THE BLACK HORN," providing a unique perspective on the challenges faced by African American musicians in major symphony orchestras.

The celebration was more than an artistic affair; it was a call to action. Advocacy for PEN America’s Freedom to Write campaign became the focal point of the evening, aiming to raise critical funds to support membership, bolster local independent book retailers, and oppose educational book bans by local governments and state legislators.

As a bona fide Book Lover, I emphasize that, while collecting fine and rare titles may be a luxury, the freedom to write, learn, and speak must never be limited to a select few. In the 2022-2023 school year alone, PEN America documented an alarming trend of book bans, affecting 1,557 unique books. This includes notable works such as The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah Jones, The HandMaiden’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, and Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume. A troubling trend is apparent, particularly concerning authors and topics associated with a feminine disposition. I encourage readers to explore these works, transcending potential bans, to enrich educational curriculums.

We invite our readers to join the movement to #FreeTheBooks by taking action today and supporting our campaign for PEN America. At its core, the night's festivities underscored the importance of inclusivity and diversity in literature. The event served as a reminder that literacy is a fundamental right, and we, as writers, educators, and influencers, must champion initiatives that empower citizens to engage with a more inclusive and equitable narrative.

Reflecting on the New Year, New Books Party, the resonance of art, literature, and advocacy lingers. It's a celebration not only of the creative spirit but also of the collective commitment to ensuring that the written word remains a powerful force, free and accessible to all. Let's continue to support, fund, and champion the freedom to write, ensuring a future that reflects the full spectrum of human experience.