“Stand tall or not at all” is one of the ways in which writer, poet and speaker Piri Thomas proposed to gain “Unity Among Us.”

Thomas, despite the tornado warning, spoke to a gathering of about nine people in the Huskie Den about uniting people of all races.

“I looked up minority in the dictionary and the definition said ‘less than.’ How can a child be born less than?”

As a child, Thomas grew up in the barrios of New York. The prejudice and hatred he experienced caused him to speak out against prejudice and racism.

“People think of ghettos as dirty places where the children are told they are nothing. I’m here to tell you that is not true. The ghetto is a place where there are a lot of roses without thorns,” the 62-year-old poet declared.

Thomas also emphasized that the color of one’s skin is not a mark of intelligence.

“Colors of skin are like a garden, a beautiful garden. Among the colors are beautiful people. Others need to learn how to judge without looking at the cover of a person, their intelligence is not found there,” Thomas said.

Thomas said he realizes he cannot change the opinions of everyone, especially those who are older. He wants his message to affect the younger generation who can make a difference.

“The future is every time I snap my fingers. It is up to you to make a difference. Not for me but for your children and their children.”

Thomas said the message should be delivered on an individual basis. “One to one, two to two, … .”

Thomas also voiced his concerns about children who are hurt by prejudice.

“Children go through terrible traumas in the ghettos. Their smiles should not be wasted. We need to teach them that no one can buy or take away their dignity.

“Death is only a state of apathy. We can make this world a paradise between heaven and hell,” Thomas said.