Ainsfieldwolf who had this prize way back in 1985in she understood that literature could serve as the potent elixir in this fight. In the 84 years since the prize was established, our country has made Great Strides forward with regard to respecting and embracing our diversity. But recently we have taken disheartening steps backward. Reported hate crimes have risen sharply in the past several years, including, of course, the mass murders at the Mother Emanuel Ame Church in South Carolina and the tree of pennsylvania. This is a national trend, but it also hits close to home. According to the southern poverty law center, there are more organized hate groups in the state of ohio than in kentucky and West Virginia combined. A great source of re was one, ba clarion call for action. We must rewrite our Current National narrative to vigorously oppose bigotry in all of its forms. [applaus [applause] and tonights ceremony provides an opportunity to energize that sense of purpose. This is the 16t
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