Why Toni Morrison Matters

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Toni Morrison, the visionary novelist and Nobel Laureate, is celebrated by writers Margaret Busby, Tsitsi Dangarembga and Nadifa Mohamed, chaired by Razia Iqbal.

Morrison, herself one of the most frequently banned authors in America, championed under-represented voices and was a Vice-President of PEN International.

Find out more about her life, work and legacy at this event, which is part of a weekend celebrating 100 years of English PEN.

Produced in partnership with the Southbank Centre.

English PEN Members’ 10% discount on all English PEN 100 events

Special offer: 25% off when buying tickets to 3 or more events

English PEN 100 at the Southbank Centre (24–26 September 2021)

Founded in 1921, English PEN is one of the world’s oldest human rights organisations, championing the freedom to write and the freedom to read. To mark this centenary year, English PEN 100 at the Southbank Centre gathers renowned and emerging writers, readers and activists for timely debates and discussions.

Over 30 writers, activists and thinkers explore themes of literature, exile, free expression, translation, activism and solidarity, drawn from English PEN’s rich history of protecting writers and readers across the world.

An outdoor digital artwork by artist Ai Weiwei, created for the centenary, is displayed on-site for the duration of the festival.

English PEN 100 is part of English PEN’s year-long programme Common Currency, which features events, residencies, campaigns and conversations across the UK and Ireland. Common Currency is supported by a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England, British Council, Cockayne Grants for the Arts – a donor-advised fund of London Community Foundation, and PEN International.