Piri Thomas
Piri Thomas, born Juan Pedro Tomas on September 10, 1928, in Spanish Harlem, New York City, is best known for his impactful writings and advocacy for at-risk youth. He grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, crime, and racial discrimination, facing the dual influences of his Protestant mother and Catholic father. Early in life, Thomas became involved in gang activities and was incarcerated for armed robbery, serving seven years in various prisons. This period of reflection led him to believe that individuals are not inherently criminals but rather have the potential for creativity and change. After his release, he dedicated himself to helping young people avoid the pitfalls he had faced, becoming a member of a Pentecostal Church and sharing his experiences through writing. His 1967 autobiography, *Down These Mean Streets*, gained widespread acclaim, followed by other notable works exploring themes of identity, spirituality, and resilience. Thomas also engaged in public speaking and recorded poetry and music, contributing to a legacy of promoting moral values and social awareness. By the early 2000s, his work was recognized as foundational in literature addressing the lives of marginalized communities.
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Piri Thomas
Author
- Born: September 30, 1928
- Birthplace: New York, New York
- Died: October 17, 2011
Biography
Piri Thomas (originally Juan Pedro Tomas) was born in Spanish Harlem, New York City, on September 10, 1928, the son of a light- skinned Puerto Rican mother with Protestant convictions and a dark-skinned Puerto Rican father who was a devout Catholic. Growing up in a poor neighborhood where crime and violence were common, Thomas ignored the moral teachings of his parents and at an early age became involved in drugs and delinquent gangs. At one time he was seriously wounded in a gunfight with the police. In 1950, he was convicted of attempting an armed robbery, for which he was incarcerated for seven years in Bellvue, Sing Sing, and Great Meadows prisons. Like other persons of color at the time, he experienced considerable racial discrimination, which he bitterly resented.
In prison, Thomas thought seriously about his life and the ways in which he had disappointed his parents. He had several advantages, including a love of reading and a fluent ability with English language. In 1957 he was released from prison and given a certificate of good conduct. For the next decade he earned his livelihood at a succession of menial jobs in the garment district. By this time he had become convinced that a person is not born a criminal; rather, every child is a potential poet. Becoming an active member of a Pentecostal Church, he began to use his knowledge and background to help hardcore youths to turn away from their lives of crime. At the same time, he was writing about his experiences.
In 1967, Thomas launched his writing career with the publication of his best-selling autobiography, Down These Mean Streets, which describes his struggle for survival in the tough barrios of New York. In 1972, he articulated his religious views in Saviour, Saviour, Hold My Hand (1972), which was followed by an account of his experiences in prison, Seven Long Times (1974), and a work of short fiction, Stories from El Barrio (1978). In addition to writing, Thomas spent much of his time lecturing in colleges and universities in the U.S. as well as Europe and Latin America. He also recorded poetry and music, including Sounds of the Street (1994).
By the beginning of the twenty-first century, Thomas’s Down These Mean Streets was recognized as a classic, and his other works also attracted many readers. As a man, he is widely respected for overcoming many hardships and turning his life around. In addition to his courageous example, his speeches and interviews have provided insight into the pro-social values of morality, benevolence, and tolerance.