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

In this mini-Works of Justice episode, we spoke with celebrated poet Kaveh Akbar, who will be performing Terry Hedin's poem "El Reno" in our "Break Out" Event on November 17th. Terry's piece won Third Place this year in PEN America's Prison Writing Contest. 

Kaveh spoke honestly and poetically about the privilege and responsibility of holding another person's writing in one's own mouth, and about the importance of poetry as a tool for empathy and connection—especially in our time of unprecedented isolation and increased threats to free speech.

Hosted and produced by Frances Keohane
with support from Caits Meissner and Robert Pollock

Works of Justice 114 - Kaveh Akbar

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.


Works of Justice 114 - Kaveh Akbar

PEN America

Related tracks