​Bruce Springsteen awarded 2017 Bjørnson prize in Norway

The Bjørnson Prize 2017 for freedom of speech is awarded Bruce Springsteen for his willingness to stand up against injustice.

Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living in your American skin

Bruce Springsteen's song "American Skin (41 Shots)" is inspired by the killing of an innoncent black man shot by police officers in New York. The reflections in the song are typical for Springsteens social consciousness.

Activist and comforter

At the heart of what he has written is the faith of those that lost their foothold as the modern USA “developed.” 

At an early stage, he also addressed the effect of the wars USA has been involved in, especially the fate of the veterans. Long before “Black lives matters” was established, he wrote about their plight. He has addressed the situation for those infected with AIDS as well describing in word and music the effects of 9/11.

He has been activist, fund raiser and a man of comfort for those hurt by catastrophes of nature, injustice and imprisonment.

Against injustice

"The 2017-prize goes to Bruce Springsteen for his willingness to stand up against injustice, he is indeed a person which shares the belief of late Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson”, said Kristenn Einarsson, President of the Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson Academy of Literature and Freedom of Expression.

And he and his E-Street Band is not stopping. As he said earlier this year: “"Our responsibility is to observe and report, to witness and testify" and "We have been inspiring people through tuff times for 40 years and we will continue to do so.”

Among the earlier winners of the Bjørnson Prize for freedom of speech are Edward Snowden, the writers Yasar Kemal and Adonis and the Norwegain journalist Kristin Solberg.

Award ceremony at Bjørnson's home in Norway

The award ceremony is on Sunday, September 3rd at Aulestad, the beautiful home of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. After the prize award ceremony, there will be a seminar headed “Voices needed, more than ever".

The seminar will be divided into three parts:

• "How serious are the threats to freedom to speak in USA?” Key-note speech and a panel discussion.
• “Can artists make a difference?” Key-note speech and a panel discussion.
• "His moral compass. The writings of Bruce Springsteen.” Key-note speech and a panel discussion.

The panels will have highly qualified Norwegian and International guests.

After the seminar there will be published an edited collection of the seminar discussions.

Contact

• Kristenn Einarsson, President of the Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson Academy of Literature and Freedom of Expression, kristenn@forleggerforeningen.no, phone: +47 901 29 711.