A Celebration of Literary Advocacy: PEN America Honors Sarah Jessica Parker and Jon Yaged
Introduction: PEN America’s Tribute to Literary Excellence
In a year marked by heightened debates over freedom of expression and access to literature, PEN America has announced its latest honorees for their annual spring gala. This year, the distinguished “Literary Service Award” will be bestowed upon actress, advocate, and literary enthusiast Sarah Jessica Parker, while Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan Publishers, will receive the “Business Visionary Award.” These recognitions underscore the organization’s commitment to celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to the literary world and the fight against censorship. The awards will be presented at PEN America’s upcoming gala on May 15, an event that promises to be a powerful celebration of literature, advocacy, and the enduring importance of free expression.
Sarah Jessica Parker: A Champion of Reading and Free Expression
Sarah Jessica Parker, widely known for her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, has long been a passionate advocate for reading and literacy. Her dedication to the literary community extends far beyond her acting career. As the founder of her own publishing imprint, SJP Lit, Parker has championed new and underrepresented voices in American literature. Her efforts to amplify these voices have been further highlighted through her role as executive producer of the documentary The Librarians, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. The film sheds light on the growing issue of book bans and the importance of protecting access to diverse stories.
PEN America’s decision to honor Parker with the Literary Service Award comes at a critical time. According to PEN co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, the U.S. is currently facing a “crisis point” as books by underrepresented writers are increasingly being removed from school libraries and classrooms. Parker’s work, both through her publishing imprint and her advocacy, has been instrumental in pushing back against these bans. By shining a light on diverse voices and emphasizing the importance of literary freedom, she has emerged as a vital defender of the right to read. The PEN/Audible Literary Service Award, previously awarded to literary giants like Toni Morrison and Stephen Sondheim, now recognizes Parker’s unique role as both a writer and an advocate. Her contributions embody the award’s expanded criteria, which now honors individuals who have served the literary community through their words, actions, or work.
Jon Yaged: A Visionary Leader in Publishing
In addition to Sarah Jessica Parker, PEN America will also honor Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan Publishers, with the “Business Visionary Award.” This award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the publishing industry while embracing the power of literature to shape democratic and humane values. Yaged, who has led Macmillan for over a decade, has been a steadfast advocate for diversity in publishing and a vocal opponent of book bans. Under his leadership, Macmillan has published works by a wide range of authors, from bestselling novelists like Sally Rooney and Kristin Hannah to thought-provoking voices like S.A. Cosby and Michael Wolff.
PEN co-CEO Summer Lopez praised Yaged for his unwavering commitment to the principles of free expression and inclusivity. “For decades, Jon has been a stalwart defender of the right to read and a champion of ensuring publishing represents diverse voices and perspectives,” Lopez said. Yaged’s approach to publishing has been characterized by his “big-hearted, expansive, and principled” leadership. Previous winners of the Business Visionary Award include former publishing executives like John Sargent of Macmillan, Markus Dohle of Penguin Random House, Michael Pietsch of Hachette Book Group, and Caroline Reidy of Simon and Schuster. Yaged’s recognition is a testament to his dedication to fostering a publishing environment that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of society.
PEN America’s Stance Against Book Bans
PEN America’s decision to honor Parker and Yaged is deeply rooted in the organization’s mission to protect free expression and advocate for literary freedom. In recent years, the U.S. has witnessed a surge in book bans, particularly targeting works by underrepresented writers, including people of color, LGBTQ+ authors, and those addressing topics like race, gender, and sexuality. These bans have sparked a national conversation about censorship, education, and the role of literature in shaping societal values.
Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf emphasized the urgency of this moment, stating, “We are now at a crisis point with books by underrepresented writers being pulled from school libraries and classrooms.” PEN America has been at the forefront of this issue, mobilizing writers, publishers, and readers to push back against these bans. By honoring Parker and Yaged, the organization is not only celebrating their individual achievements but also amplifying the broader message of resistance against censorship. Their work exemplifies the kind of leadership and advocacy needed to protect the freedom to read and to ensure that literature remains a powerful tool for understanding and connecting with the human condition.
A Gala Celebration of Literature and Advocacy
The PEN America Spring Gala, scheduled for May 15, promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature, advocacy, and the power of words. The event will bring together writers, publishers, and supporters of free expression to honor the contributions of Sarah Jessica Parker and Jon Yaged. It will also serve as a moment to reflect on the challenges facing the literary community and the importance of continued advocacy in the face of growing threats to free expression.
Through this year’s awards, PEN America is making a clear statement about the role of literature in society. By recognizing Parker’s efforts to amplify underrepresented voices and Yaged’s leadership in fostering a diverse and inclusive publishing industry, the organization is highlighting the ways in which individuals can make a meaningful impact in the fight against censorship. The gala will not only celebrate the achievements of these two individuals but also inspire others to join in the effort to protect the freedom to read and to ensure that literature remains a force for good in the world.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Literature and Advocacy
The recognition of Sarah Jessica Parker and Jon Yaged by PEN America serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of literature and the need to protect free expression. At a time when book bans and censorship are on the rise, their work stand
