Book Newsby Blessing UwisikeAcclaimed novelist Dinaw Mengestu has been elected president of PEN America, the 103-year-old writers organization dedicated to celebrating literature and defending freedom of expression. Mengestu, who has served as a PEN America trustee since 2016, assumes the presidency and becomes chair of the Board of Trustees for a two-year term, succeeding Jennifer Finney Boylan. Mengestu assumes leadership at a critical moment for free expression. PEN America has intensified its fight against book bans targeting titles about race, LGBTQ+ lives, and contested histories. Congratulations to Mengestu, the newly elected PEN America president!

Source: Ethiopian News December 19, 2025 15:17 UTC