South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry

When African American Studies professor Imani Perry set out on her South to America journey, she had no idea what she would find. Her journey took her from her home in California, through the South, to find out the truth about the people and places of the land she so dearly loved. What she discovered was a rich cultural history and a nation of people that have been long misunderstood by many.

In South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation, Perry takes readers on a remarkable journey into the heart of the South and its stories: from the Black migration of the 1930s, to the civil rights movement of the 1960s and beyond. Achieving insight and depth that is rarely found in books, Perry draws back the veil between North and South, and reveals the courage, resilience, and frequently sorrowful reality that has shaped the lives of so many.

Perry begins her book by explaining why she chose to embark on this unique Southern journey. Born in the North, Perry had little firsthand experience with the culture, history, and people of the South. With a deep-rooted curiosity and love for her home, she set out to better understand the “soul of a nation” she so identified with.

On her journey, Perry visited dozens of sites and locations. From The Great Smoky Mountains to Mardi Gras in Louisiana, she weaves her way through the region, revealing a vibrant and well-defined culture. She discovers the harsh realities of poverty and prejudice, sees the effects of decades of Jim Crow laws, and meets people from every corner of the South who open their hearts and homes to her. Through her journey, she slowly begins to understand the complexities and contradictions that make up the Southern identity.

As she concludes her journey, Perry reflects on the incredible power of the collective Southern spirit and the way it unifies the region, despite its deep divisions. She goes on to highlight the resilience and creativity that decades of struggle have forged within the people of the South. From music to art, she discovers beauty amid the suffering, and she honors the strength and hope that has sustained the generations before her.

South to America gives readers a greater understanding of the South, as well as its many complexities and hardships. Through exploring the people and places of the region, Perry provides readers with an insight into its spirit of courage, triumph, and hope. The book is an important reminder of the strength and resilience embodied by the Southern people and the ever-evolving culture of this unique region.