by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer

PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — What happens when an entire town reads the same book — not just to turn pages, but to turn toward one another to come together and discuss the power of literature? That’s the vision behind One Book One Pass, inviting Pass Christian residents to explore a shared story together. 

This year’s selection, South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation, brought that mission to life. Written by Dr. Imani Perry: Harvard Radcliffe professor, MacArthur Fellow, and winner of the 2022 National Book Award for Nonfiction. On Thursday, October 16th, the Randolph Center came alive with readers, educators, artists, and students for the author presentation. The Randolph Center became a cultural haven with local artwork by Alexius Evers lining the walls, turning the night into a celebration of all forms of art. 

Mayor Kenny Torgeson took the stage, presented Dr. Perry with the key to the city, and officially proclaimed October 16 as Imani Perry Day in Pass Christian. While the mayor humorously admitted he hadn’t yet read the book, the moment reflected the city’s gratitude for Perry’s ability to transform her research into something profound and beautiful, leaving the author in tears.

Dr. Perry spoke with warmth, intellect, and a rhythm that felt both conversational and profound. She reflected on the delicate connection between those who write and those who read — what she called a “sympathetic vibration” between them. “It’s like playing an acoustic guitar,” she said, “and the person in front of you starts to resonate. That’s what writing should do — create a sympathetic vibration.” 

Throughout the evening, Perry shared insights about her writing practice — describing it as “quilt-like,” layered through research, emotion, and memory. She credited the late Toni Morrison for inspiring a generation of writers to weave stories with rhythm and reach. Pass Christian High School Students in attendance asked thoughtful questions about race, identity, and the South. Perry spoke candidly about grief, resilience, and the personal journey behind her award-winning book. She began South to America during the pandemic, when travel restrictions limited her original plans. 

Perry reflected on the deep historical roots of the South, calling it central to the American story. “This is where the country began,” she said. “The heart of the nation’s culture beats here — in its contradictions, in its beauty, in its sorrow. The wealth, the power, the art — all of it, born of this soil.” 

She also challenged listeners and readers alike to look beyond stereotypes: “The country wants to make the South bear the sins of the nation,” she said, “but the truth is, the whole nation is on the hook.” 

When asked about the possibility of eradicating the polarizing quality of political rhetoric, Perry’s response captured her belief in the power of hope: “Rationally, I can’t imagine it in my lifetime.

But do I believe in it? Absolutely. Because if I don’t believe things are possible, I don’t know who could.” 

As the event concluded, Perry received a standing ovation, applause echoed through the Randolph Center. For many, it wasn’t just a celebration of a book or an author, but of the enduring power of storytelling — how words can bridge grief and grace, past and future, individual and collective. As Perry reminded her audience, “When we write, we build trust. When we read, we build connections. And when we come together — we build the possibility of something better.” 

Copies of South to America are available at the Pass Christian Library and at Pass Christian Books.

(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)