Writing as Resistance

This is a free event, but registration is required.

In times of political upheaval, displacement and erasure, writing becomes a powerful tool of resistance. Join Uyghur poet and memoirist Tahir Izgil Hamut (Waiting to Be Arrested at Night) and Iraqi American poet Dunya Mikhail (Tablets: Secrets of the Clay) as they discuss how their writing challenges dominant political narratives and preserves stories of displacement, exile and perseverance.

In his memoir Waiting to Be Arrested at Night, Tahir Hamut Izgil documents the Chinese government's persecution of the Uyghur people and his time in a labor-camp. In Dunya Mikhail's poetry collection Tablets: Secrets of Clay, she explores the memories and legacies of her families' exile from Iraq while looking back at Iraqi history. Moderated by novelist Mojgan Ghazirad (The House on Sun Street), this panel will delve into the urgency of documenting personal and collective experiences and how the act of writing both engenders change and urges us towards a future of complex understanding.

The 2025 PEN World Voices Festival is a celebration of world literature and free expression. The 2025 edition will be the 20th World Voices Festival. Over four days, over 80 writers from over 35 countries will be featured in engaging talks, panels, readings, and performances in New York City and greater Los Angeles

Visit for more information about the entire festival, as well as PEN America.

Judson Memorial Church is an accessible venue. The back door (243 Thompshon St) has elevator access to the space.

This event will have CART captioning provided by TotalCaption.

While not required, per public health official guidelines, the World Voices Festival recommends being fully vaccinated, and wearing masks in all public indoor settings as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19, as well as around crowds.

If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the event. Reach out to cHVibGljcHJvZ3JhbXMgfCBwZW4gISBvcmc= for assistance if you have already purchased a ticket.

We thank you for ensuring our speakers, guests and venue workers feel safe and comfortable at all World Voices Festival events. If you have questions or concerns please contact cHVibGljcHJvZ3JhbXMgfCBwZW4gISBvcmc=Writing as Resistance

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