Michael Luo: Exclusion, Belonging, and the American Dream
Thu, Jan 08
|Historic Asolo Theater
The Boxser Diversity Initiative extends heartfelt thanks to the more than 250 community members who joined us at the Historic Asolo Theater for a powerful and inspiring evening with The New Yorker Executive Editor and author Michael Luo.
Time & Location
Jan 08, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, USA
About the event
The Boxser Diversity Initiative (BDI) extends heartfelt thanks to the more than 250 community members who joined us at the Historic Asolo Theater for a powerful and inspiring evening with New Yorker Executive Editor and author Michael Luo.
In conversation with our Bending the Arc Scholars and community leaders from across the region, Michael Luo explored themes from his book Strangers in the Land, offering a compelling reflection on American history, the persistence of the “empathy gap,” and the enduring truth that Asian Americans are woven into every chapter of our nation’s story.
The evening was marked by thoughtful dialogue, deep reflection, and a shared commitment to understanding how history, identity, and belonging shape our present moment. We are grateful to Michael Luo for his insight and generosity, and to our community for showing up with curiosity, openness, and a passion for learning.
Thank you for helping make this event such a meaningful and memorable success.
Photos: Wesley Walther/GARCIA.
Funding for BDI’s 2025–26 Discussion Series is provided by the Zella I. and Junius F. Allen Fund and the Edward K. Roberts Emerging Needs Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.