Piri Thomas

Born on September 30, 1928 to Puerto Rican-Cuban parents in New Yorks Spanish Harlem, writer and poet, Juan Pedro Tomas (Piri Thomas) is best know for his bestselling book, Down These Mean Streets. I read the book many years ago and immediately made it a part of my library. The book, an autobiography, is an honest approach to the racial discrimination suffered while growing up in Spanish Harlem and his involvement with drugs and crime. Piri has also written a sequel titled "Seven Long Times" depicting his prison years. He also has several other books and many poems to his credit.

Visit The World of Piri Thomas for full bio, info and to read some of his poetry.

Youtube video via PBS