The Zócalo Book Prize: America, Can We Take Down the Walls Between Us?

Join us for an engaging evening moderated by Mike Madrid, a Political Strategist and Co-Founder of The Lincoln Project.

In a country that thrives on division, walls are not just physical; they are emotional and ideological. With our homes resembling fortresses and media echoing our views, what impact do these barriers have on American society? Can we dismantle them, and what can take their place?

Special guest Anand Pandian, a Johns Hopkins University anthropologist and winner of the 2026 Zócalo Book Prize for Something Between Us: The Everyday Walls of American Life, and How to Take Them Down, will share insights gathered from diverse conversations across the nation about unity and division.

We are also thrilled to announce that Deborah Ager is the recipient of the 2026 Zócalo Poetry Prize and will perform her winning poem, Letter from Indialantic, live at the event.

Co-presented by The Jar, which encourages connections both familiar and unfamiliar, this event will transition into a reception featuring The Jar’s Salon experience—an interactive opportunity to break down walls in real time.

Don't miss out on book sales and signings with Octavia’s Bookshelf following the moderated conversation!

Generously sponsored by Tim Disney.

👉 Get your tickets here!