Next weekend, three of last year’s Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winners will join Anisfield-Wolf jury member Rita Dove in Charlottesville, Virginia to participate in a closing panel session at Virginia Festival of the Book.

Peter Ho Davies (author of The Fortunes), Tyehimba Jess (author of Olio) and Margot Lee Shetterly (author of Hidden Figures) will participate as panelists in a discussion, titled “Writing the American Story: Diverse Voices in Distinguished Books” and moderated by Rita Dove, that will focus on their work, reflect on obstacles to social and racial justice, and explore how writing can help make America’s story more equitable and inclusive.

“The Virginia Festival of the Book’s reputation in the literary community is par excellence, and we are honored to join the 2018 program,” said Karen R. Long, manager of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, which are presented by the Cleveland Foundation. “The Nazi violence in Charlottesville last August shocked the nation, and the Anisfield-Wolf canon – exemplary books addressing racism and diversity — is pertinent to the work ahead for all of us. This makes the Anisfield-Wolf panel a natural fit for the Festival, one we welcome.”

Can’t make it to the festival in person? The panel discussion will be streamed live on Facebook beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 25! You won’t want to miss it.