Acclaimed Ethiopian American novelist Dinaw Mengistu has been elected President of PEN America, marking a historic and inspiring milestone for the global literary and cultural community.

Celebrated for his powerful storytelling and deeply human explorations of migration, exile, and belonging, Mengistu brings to the role a rare blend of artistic excellence and moral clarity. His election underscores PEN America’s enduring mission to defend free expression and to amplify diverse voices—particularly those shaped by displacement and the ongoing global struggle for justice and dignity.

Mengistu assumes the presidency at a critical moment, as writers and journalists worldwide face escalating threats, censorship, and persecution. His leadership is expected to strengthen PEN America’s advocacy for freedom of expression while reaffirming the organization’s commitment to inclusion and the transformative power of literature.

Beyond honoring his distinguished literary legacy, Mengistu’s election signals renewed resolve within one of the world’s most influential literary and human rights organizations. It also stands as a source of pride for Ethiopian and African diasporic communities worldwide, offering a powerful reminder of how stories rooted in lived experience and moral courage can resonate far beyond borders.