The event is held to honor the U.S. born writer and photographer, Margaret Randall, and assist her in her struggle to win her immigration case, in which under the ideological exclusion clause of 1952 McCarran–Walter Act the government was trying to deport her. Margaret Randall reads some of her poems. Her attorney, David D. Cole, explains her case and comments on it. Ariel Nair, the vice chairman of the Helsinki Watch and America's Watch, talks about the McCarran–Walter Act, and then Randall discusses her case. Frances FitzGerald talks about other implications of this case for the American writer.

In Honor of Margaret Randall, 12/8/1986

Amiri Baraka reads “Rhythm Travel” at the 2008 Beyond Margins Celebration.


Amiri Baraka Reads “Rhythm Travel”

The celebrated poet reads the seminal letter of political protest, in which she became the first and only person to date to refuse the highest honor bestowed upon an artist on behalf of the people. Background and discussion: http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/05/16/adrienne-rich-national-medal-of-arts-letter/

Adrienne Rich declines the National Medal of Arts, 1997

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world.  Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.


In Honor of Margaret Randall, 12/8/1986

PEN America

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