Are you greater than the sun, that shines on everyone ...
Imagine starting an organization with just a poem and an idea to build a landmark showcasing it:
that shines on everyone: Black,
Brown, Yellow, Red, and White
the sun does not discriminate.
© 1985 Sara Ting
This poem inspired the founding of World Unity Inc. in 1993, innovative initiatives, mission, and vision to transform the world.
Laws, policies, and technology cannot eliminate unconscious biases all humans have. Individuals must remove them. The Sun Poem can ignite the change that must come from within.
Albert Einstein quote, “You cannot solve a problem with the same consciousness that created it. “You must stand on a higher ground,” has been a guiding force. We have overcome many obstacles and persevered for 31 years with the support of many leaders, sponsors, and individual contributors.
Our Story unfolds below ....
World Unity Inc Timeline
1985
The Centerpiece of a public service campaign
In l985, The Sun Poem was the centerpiece of a public service campaign to promote racial and ethnic harmony throughout the city of Boston. A multimedia campaign publicized the poem on television, radio, the mass transit and on billboards throughout the city. The campaign was so successful it was also initiated in New York City and Providence, RI. in the late 80’s.
In New York City the campaign brought together five racially diverse non-profit organizations to sponsor the campaign, The National Puerto Rican Forum, The New York Urban Coalition, The Chinatown Planning Council, The American Jewish Congress and The National Conference of Community and Justice.
Creation of The Sun Poem Workshop
Through grants, an engaging, creative workshop and a colorful poster of the Sun Poem were designed. Hundreds of students in public and private schools participated throughout Massachusetts. The poem’s message was brought alive!
The workshops were a hit! It led to presentations nationally at conferences and educational institutions. Local and state agencies embraced the poem.
1986
1987
Giant Poster of the Sun Poem Displayed in YWCA Boston
A giant 4’x8’ poster of the Sun Poem was produced for the YWCA in 1987. A member was profoundly impacted by it – she learned forgiveness.
When Sara heard this she thought of the Middle East and how much forgiveness is needed there.
World Unity, Inc. was founded
The powerful story of the Sun Poem teaching forgiveness led to the founding of World Unity Inc. in 1993 and the mission to make an enduring contribution to the elimination of all forms of prejudice, biases, and discrimination.
The first design concept of the World Unity Landmark was created by the MacPherson Architects .
1993
1999
Monumental Faith
Sara Ting's dream of a granite-and-glass symbol of racial harmony in Boston would be a towering achievement
Boston Herald Article
A Poet's Dream of a Monument to Unity takes Shape
2001 Boston Globe features a story of the World Unity Landmark promoting Unity.
Learn more ...2001
2011
Design Competition at Boston Architectural College
World Unity Inc. collaborated with the Boston Architectural College on a design competition inspired by the Sun Poem. Ardian Ramadani created the winning design concept for the World Unity Landmark. It will stand as a beacon expressing equality to the world every day. It invites each of us to be a light wherever we are.
The winning poster “Equal,” by Lynette Slape from the University of Oregon.
Learn more ...We all See the Stars 2014 launched a National Songwriting Contest
A Powerful way to make the Sun Poem come alive and plant it in the heart and mind – make it a song! A national songwriting contest was launched in 2015. “We All See the Stars,” by John Ciambriello, a simple powerful song that students love! The song was performed at the United Nations in the fall of 2015.
Entries came from California, Wisconsin, Colorado, Texas, Virginia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts!
Learn more ...
2014
2016
PSA Campaign for TV, Radio and Social Media
In the first week of August 2016, World Unity, started distributing its 30 second public service announcement to cities across the country. Within three weeks it started airing on the following Radio Stations:
TV Stations across the country accepted the PSA
National Poster Contest
We launched a national poster contest, inviting the youth to express their vision of the Sun Poem in a poster. We reached out to over 420 art schools and the art department of colleges and universities across the country!
The winning poster “Equal,” by Lynette Slape from the University of Oregon.”
Learn more ...2017
2018
Sun Poem Resolution
The Boston City Council passed a resolution recognizing the Sun poem as a powerful tool to help us overcome our biases and see our common humanity.
Learn more ...5 Minute Leadership Dialogue Series
We launched World Unity Inc.’s 5-Minute Leadership Dialog program recognizing leadership is essential to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. Short interviews asking thought-provoking questions about life issues we all must face, let’s learn from a leader.
Learn more ...2021
2021
World Unity Landmark accepted to be part of Dorchester Bay City Development
In 2021 – 2023 World Unity Inc. participated in virtual public meetings on the Dorchester Bay City Development.
Accordia Partners LLC and the public welcomed the concept of the World Unity Landmark showcasing the Sun Poem. It supports the developer's vision to create a diverse and inclusive community.”
The Sun Poem on Billboards
The poem began displaying on over 60 digital billboards in cites across America.
Learn more ...2021
2023
Boston Public Schools, Franklin Park Zoo, and World Unity Inc. collaborated on a poetry contest
Boston Public Schools, Franklin Park Zoo, and World Unity Inc. collaborated on a poetry contest inspired by the Sun Poem Winning poem and Sun Poem displayed in the gardens at the zoo for the season!”
Learn more ...National Media Story Feature Story
• 2023 National Media Story Feature Story on the Sun Poem on WGBH News All Things Considered.
Learn more ...2023
2023
The Sun Poem and Concert
The Sun Poem and Concert to Empower and Inspire Humanity, June 24th, 2023.
Learn more ...Resolution Re-recognizing the Sun Poem
The Boston City Council passed a resolution re-recognizing the Sun poem as a powerful tool to help us overcome our biases and see our common humanity. ”
Learn more ...
2024
2024
Lynn Public School adds the Sun Poem Art Project
Lynn Public School, MA adds the Sun Poem Art Project into their curriculum after teachers were inspired by the TED Talk focused on the Sun Poem. This will reach 16, 728 students.
Learn more ...