A Special Message from Anne Billiet Lackner

Dear Friends,

Salman Rushdie made a surprise public appearance in New York City last week to speak at the PEN America Literary Gala. It was his first public appearance since he was attacked last August at the Chautauqua Institution.

In his speech Mr. Rushdie spoke to the importance of City of Asylum’s mission and what we have done in Pittsburgh. He also paid tribute for saving his life to our co-founder Henry Reese and to the audience members who immediately stormed the stage. Among the first on the stage were two doctors and several other City of Asylum supporters and neighbors.

As a member of the audience that day, I was deeply moved that Mr. Rushdie used his first public appearance to honor City of Asylum and the brave audience members.

An excerpt from Salman Rushdie’s speech at the 2023 PEN America Literary Gala:

“The second thing [I want to say] is that, with regard to the event at Chautauqua, NY, on August 12th of last year, the true courage shown that day was not shown by me. After I was attacked, the first person who ran to defend me was Henry Reese of the Cities of Asylum project in Pittsburgh, who was on stage with me to discuss that project’s excellent work on behalf of endangered writers.

When he saw what was happening, Henry – not a young man – ran at my assailant, a twenty-four-year-old individual armed with a knife, and tackled him to the ground. Immediately after that, a number of members of the audience also rushed forward and helped to pin the attacker down.

If it had not been for these people, I most certainly would not be standing here today. I accept this award, therefore, on behalf of all those who came to my rescue. I was the target that day, but they were the heroes. The courage, that day, was all theirs, and I thank them for saving my life.”

Watch the 3-minute video (The Guardian) of Salman Rushdie speaking about City of Asylum.

Mr. Rushdie was instrumental working with the co-founders to create City of Asylum Pittsburgh, a safe space for creative expression, where silenced voices can be amplified and their stories can be told. He inspired and championed the mission of City of Asylum Pittsburgh to create a sanctuary for writers and artists who have been driven into exile.

Sincerely,

Anne Billiet Lackner
City of Asylum Board Chair