Welcome Home Author Kevin Antoine

301 E Scenic Drive, Pass Christian, MS 39571

Pass Christian native and former political candidate Kevin Lavigne Antoine just released his highly anticipated memoir, “New Black Power: A Memoir of Kevin Lavigne Antoine.” This compelling memoir traces Antoine’s remarkable journey from grassroots activism to political candidacy, offering a nuanced exploration of power dynamics, racial identity, and healthcare advocacy in America.

Dr. Antoine will speak and sign copies of his book on Sunday, July 28th from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Books will be available at the event from Pass Christian Books. Dr. Antoine will speak briefly @ 6:15 and will sign copies of his book afterwards. Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

In “New Black Power,” Antoine shares his narrative, reflecting on his upbringing, education, and experiences as a pioneering African American leader in Mississippi. From his early days as a student activist to his groundbreaking campaign for Congress, Antoine’s memoir offers a candid and introspective look at the challenges and triumphs of navigating the intersection of race, politics, and healthcare.

A deep commitment to social justice and equity is at the heart of Antoine’s memoir. Throughout the book, he highlights the pervasive discriminatory practices of the National Democratic Party and the Mississippi Democratic Party he faced campaigning in majority in the majority white Fourth Congressional District.

“New Black Power” is not just a memoir but a call to action. Antoine challenges readers to confront the realities of racial injustice and healthcare disparities in America and to join him in the fight for a more equitable future. With eloquence and conviction, he implores individuals from all walks of life to engage in activism, advocacy, and allyship to dismantle systemic barriers and uplift marginalized voices.

Kevin Antoine is the son of Eddie P. Antoine and Dorothy Antoine. His dad was President of the Pass Christian School Board and one of the first HeadStart Directors in the state. Kevin's mother taught for 30 years in the Pass Christian School District as a 6th-grade science and English teacher.   Kevin is a 1977 graduate of Pass Christian High School, where he was a standout junior high and high school athlete who played football, basketball, and track. He received the Buba Outsalet Scholar-Athlete Award, the Sportsmanship Award, and the Most Talented Player Award. Kevin served as President of his senior class.   

Kevin is a former Fulbright Specialist Scholar. He earned his law degree from the College of William & Mary School of Law and completed a one-year Fellowship at the Harvard School of Public Health, researching discrimination in healthcare. He attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Jr. College Perkinston Campus for a year and transferred to and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi on an Air Force ROTC Scholarship. As an undergraduate at Southern Miss, he was the first African American elected Vice President of Student Government and President of the Student Senate at a predominantly white college in Mississippi.  

 He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force's NORAD Command as an air battle manager, controlling fighter aircraft in air combat training and missions, intercepting hostile aircraft approaching North American air space, conducting air refueling, and search and rescue missions. 

He returned to Mississippi and worked in local government before entering politics. In 1996, at age 37, he was the first African American to win a political party's nomination to the United States House of Representatives from Mississippi's former majority-white 4th Congressional District. After leaving politics, Dr. Antoine has served as college vice president and professor for twenty years at New York and Pennsylvania colleges.