Great American Think-Off Announces Finalist Change for 2026 Debate
Visa Restrictions Prevent Nigerian Finalist from Participating
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has announced a change to the lineup of finalists for the 2026 Great American Think-Off, the nationally recognized philosophy contest and live debate scheduled for June 13, 2026 in New York Mills, MN.
Originally selected as one of four finalists, Nigerian writer and environmental sustainability advocate Solape Adetutu Adeyemi of Lagos, Nigeria, will be unable to participate in this year’s Think-Off after being denied entry into the United States under current federal travel restrictions established by Presidential Proclamation 10998, which went into effect in January 2026. This expanded U.S. travel and visa restriction mandates full or partial suspensions on visas from 39 countries, including Nigeria. Although Cultural Center staff worked with elected officials to submit letters of support on her behalf, Ms. Adeyemi’s request was denied twice.
“We are deeply disappointed that Solape will not be able to join us in person for this year’s debate,” said Betsy Roder, the Center’s Executive Director. “Her essay demonstrated exceptional insight, originality, and intellectual rigor, and we had been looking forward to welcoming her to New York Mills.”
To fill the vacant finalist position, the Think-Off committee has invited alternate Julie Iverson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, to participate in the 33rd Annual Great American Think-Off. Iverson is a self-employed ideator whose work focuses on creative problem-solving, innovation, and the exploration of ideas across disciplines. Iverson has accepted the invitation and will join the other finalists in New York Mills for this weekend’s debate.
The 2026 Think-Off asks the question: “Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?” The event will feature the four finalists presenting and defending their positions before a live audience, which will vote to determine the winner, who will earn the title of America’s Greatest Thinker for 2026.
The Great American Think-Off, now in its 33rd year, is an annual exhibition of civil disagreement that brings philosophy out of academia and into public conversation. Hosted by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, the event attracts participants and audience members from across the United States and around the world.
ADDITIONAL 2026 GREAT AMERICAN THINK-OFF DETAILS:
In addition to the newly announced Julie Iverson, the 2026 Great American Think-Off finalists are:
- Thaddeus McCamant, agriculture educator and consultant from Frazee, MN
- Lorie Kolak, award-winning writer from Riverside, IL
- Allen Taylor, truck driver from Colorado Springs, CO, and a past Think-Off finalist (2023)
Learn more about all four finalists here:
This year’s debate will be moderated by Nora Hertel, founder and executive director of Project Optimist. An award-winning journalist, Hertel brings more than a decade of experience in investigative, political, and environmental reporting.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12 | 5:00–8:00 P.M. – Think-Off Kick-Off Reception
The weekend kicks off with a free community gathering at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center.
- Food Truck – Purchase dinner from the local Continental Divide Food Cart, parked right outside the Cultural Center.
- Artists & Philosophers Reception – Meet the 2026 Think-Off finalists and regional artists featured in the Cultural Center’s current gallery exhibit, “Before We Were Happy.” Artist talks and finalist introductions begin at 7:00 PM. Free and open to the public. Cash bar available. ALL are welcome!
- A Peace of My Mind Public Story Studio – Photographer and storyteller John Noltner returns to New York Mills with his traveling Public Story Studio. Community members may remember Noltner’s 2023 Belonging project, which invited participants to reflect on when they felt a sense of belonging. This year, participants are invited to respond to the Think-Off question in 25 words or less and have their portrait taken. The studio will be open both Friday at the Reception and Saturday at the Debate. This project is part of a larger statewide oral history initiative supported by the McKnight Foundation. Stay tuned for related future events in NYM!
SATURDAY, JUNE 13 | 7:00 P.M. – MAIN EVENT: Think-Off Live Debate
Doors open at 6:00 for this unique live debate where the winner is determined by audience vote.
Immediately following the debate, attendees are invited to a reception at the Cultural Center to continue the conversation. Free to attend, complimentary refreshments and a cash bar are available.
Tickets to the debate can be purchased online or at the Cultural Center for $15 in advance or $20 at the door on the night of the event. Student tickets are $5.
“Last year we had record attendance, and this year we are seeing many more advance ticket sales from all over the country, so we are encouraging fans to take advantage of the reduced price and get their tickets now,” Roder noted.
Can’t attend in person? The debate will once again be livestreamed on the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center YouTube channel. Online donations to support the event are welcome.
The Great American Think-Off has been featured nationally by C-SPAN, The New York Times, The Today Show, and numerous regional and national media outlets as a model for respectful civic dialogue.
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship support of West Central Initiative and the grant support of Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation, along with many local sponsors and community partners who are acknowledged online and in the event program.
This activity is also made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an operating support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
About the Great American Think-Off
Now in its 33rd year, the Great American Think-Off is a nationally recognized philosophy contest where ordinary people tackle extraordinary questions. The event promotes critical thinking, civil discourse, and community engagement by inviting people from all walks of life to debate important ideas in a respectful public forum.
About the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. Since 1990, the Cultural Center has connected people with artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota—celebrating the local and providing a window to the world.
Learn more about the Think-Off, past questions, and past winners at think-off.org.
