In a celebration of literary achievement and advocacy, Sarah Jessica Parker has been named the recipient of the prestigious PEN America Literary Service Award. The honor will be bestowed upon the acclaimed 'Sex and the City' actress on May 15 during PEN America's annual spring gala, recognizing her relentless dedication to the world of literature and her vocal opposition to censorship.
Renowned as an ardent supporter of literacy, Parker has actively contributed to several literary initiatives. Notably, she established her own publishing imprint, SJP Lit, through which she highlights unique American contemporary literature. Her efforts extend to executive producing 'The Librarians,' an impactful documentary tackling the critical issue of book bans, which made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival.
The Literary Service Award, previously awarded to iconic writers like Stephen Sondheim and Toni Morrison, now celebrates both writers and advocates who have significantly served the literary community through their contributions. Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, co-CEO of PEN America, underscored the current cultural challenges, stating, We are now at a crisis point with books by underrepresented writers being pulled from school libraries and classrooms. She praised Parker as an indispensable defender of the freedom to read.
In addition to honoring Parker, PEN America will also recognize Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan Publishers, awarding him the Business Visionary Award for his exceptional leadership that embraces literature's power to influence democratic and humane values. Yaged has been pivotal in publishing influential authors such as Sally Rooney and S.A. Cosby, and has been lauded by PEN co-CEO Summer Lopez for his persistent fight against book bans and his dedication to diverse narratives.
Lopez emphasized, For decades, Jon has been a stalwart defender of the right to read and a champion of ensuring publishing represents diverse voices and perspectives, understanding the fundamental role of these values in a democratic society. Yaged follows in the footsteps of other notable publishing figures, including former Macmillan CEO John Sargent and industry leaders from Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, and Simon and Schuster, who have previously received this recognition.
The upcoming gala not only celebrates literary figures but also serves as a powerful reminder of literature's profound impact on society. As organizations like PEN America continue to advocate for freedom of expression and the representation of diverse voices, the contributions of individuals like Sarah Jessica Parker and Jon Yaged exemplify the enduring importance of storytelling in shaping the cultural and political landscape.
