Princeton University Professor and Birmingham-native Imani Perry’s acclaimed book South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation (Harper Collins: 2022) will be the first title in a new yearlong citywide literary program, Birmingham Reads, sponsored by PEN America and its Birmingham chapter, to engage readers through one title relevant to the city and its history. The reading and book club discussion program begins Sept. 2 with a celebratory event at 7 p.m. at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, featuring poetry readings, African drumming, and dancing. The public is invited free of charge.