In a world often divided by differences, Sara Ting, Founder and President of World Unity Inc., has dedicated her life to spreading a simple but transformative truth: “The sun does not discriminate.”
What began as a moment of spiritual reflection in 1978 evolved into the Sun Poem—a message that has touched millions, inspired social movements, and now stands as the foundation for a landmark of global unity. Through her journey as a poet, journalist, trainer, and leader, Sara Ting continues to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in ways that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
The Birth of the Sun Poem
Sara’s story began during a spiritual quest to understand the presence of God. As an Asian American in Boston—where her community represented just 2.7% of the population—she often found herself the only Asian person in the churches she visited.
Despite her eagerness to connect, she was met repeatedly with silence. One afternoon, after another disheartening experience, Sara sat on a bus when suddenly the clouds parted and the sun shone warmly on her face. At that moment, she heard a voice say:
“I don’t just shine on you. I shine on everyone.”
That day, she wrote the Sun Poem in her journal:
“Are you greater than the sun / that shines on everyone:
Black, Brown, Yellow, Red and White / the sun does not discriminate.”
This poem became the cornerstone of her life’s work.
From Poem to Movement
What Sara initially saw as personal reflection quickly grew into a movement. When a friend in advertising read the Sun Poem, she was so moved that she arranged for it to appear on billboards across Boston. Soon after, the poem began spreading across schools, subways, and even into song.
Children in particular connected with its message. One young child told Sara, “When I sing this song, I feel like I can do anything.” These words became fuel for Sara’s mission to ensure that every child could grow up believing in their worth, equality, and shared humanity.
Healing Through Forgiveness and Unity
Over the years, Sara witnessed firsthand how the Sun Poem could inspire deep healing. One Asian American woman shared how the poem helped her let go of long-held resentment rooted in discrimination. That story opened Sara’s eyes to the poem’s global potential, especially in regions divided by conflict, such as the Middle East.
This realization laid the foundation for World Unity Inc., which has worked for decades to build a culture of equality, inclusion, and mutual respect.
The World Unity Landmark
In 1998, a $10,000 donation affirmed that others believed in Sara’s vision. With the help of the Boston Architectural College, a winning design for the World Unity Landmark was created.
Though the journey faced setbacks—including losing an early site—the project was ultimately embraced as part of the Dorchester Bay City development.
The landmark will stand as a permanent reminder that, like the sun, humanity must rise above divisions and shine equally on all.
Books, Workshops, and Storytelling
Sara’s impact extends beyond the Sun Poem. Her book, Small Book with a Big Idea: 5-Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World, combines the Sun Poem’s message with insights from thinkers like Einstein. Its simplicity makes it powerful, encouraging readers to pause, reflect, and embrace inner transformation.
In her workshops, Sara uses vulnerability and honesty as tools. By sharing her own experiences as an Asian American and the unconscious biases she inherited from her father, she creates safe spaces for others to self-reflect without guilt or shame.
This approach empowers people to change from within, ensuring diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts go beyond corporate checklists to make lasting cultural impact.
Children as Messengers of Equality
Sara strongly believes that children are the key to creating lasting change.
“Black, Brown, Yellow, Red and White—the sun does not discriminate.”
When children sing these words, they don’t just repeat lyrics—they embody fairness and equality. Through songs, art, and conversations, they become messengers of unity, spreading the poem’s truth to future generations.
Corporate Responsibility and Inclusion
For Sara, real corporate responsibility begins at the top. CEOs and leaders must lead D&I efforts with sincerity. Policies alone cannot undo unconscious bias—people need tools, stories, and opportunities for self-discovery.
Her programs go beyond the boardroom, urging companies to support grassroots organizations that serve communities directly. True impact, she emphasizes, must extend beyond company walls
A Legacy in Stone and Song
In 2023, World Unity Inc. received its first TV coverage from WGBH, marking a milestone after decades of dedicated work. Yet Sara’s eyes are on the future:
- The World Unity Landmark will stand as a physical symbol of unity.
- The song born from the Sun Poem will become an anthem for equality.
- Murals around the globe will carry the Sun Poem’s message in many languages.
Her dream is that generations to come will know the words by heart, and carry them forward as a symbol of love, justice, and unity for humankind.
Conclusion
From a quiet bus ride in 1978 to a global movement spanning billboards, classrooms, boardrooms, and soon, a landmark—Sara Ting’s Sun Poem has become a timeless call for equality.
Through World Unity Inc., she continues to inspire individuals, children, corporations, and institutions to embrace their shared humanity. Her message is simple yet profound:
Just as the sun shines on everyone, we all belong under the same light of equality.