The bulk of Thomas's speech focused on his recent autobiography, Here is What Happened: A Black Man's Decisions and Discoveries  (link below is to purchase the book). He gave a short history of how the book came to be, including the happenstance meeting with editor Ethan Casey who encouraged Thomas to write the book. Thomas had 40 years of personal journals to rely upon. He also did a fair amount of research with family in Bermuda. Thomas wrote the book as particular events or topics were inspiring him, not in chronological order. After eleven drafts, the book was finally done, or at least close enough to it. Thomas was quick to credit his editor for his fine work because it was difficult for Thomas to identify which items and events were most important. Once the book was done, it was time to pick a title and cover. He wanted the book to feel conversational, and his choice of a title reflected this desire. Always wanting to distribute praise for the help he received, Thomas noted that Kait Howell created the cover. 

The hardest part about writing a book according to Thomas was having to sell it. His team was able to launch a successful website and orchestrate a book launch at the Hawthorne Hotel, which was attended by many noted Salem residents and leaders. Thomas did appear on television to advertise the book. This was followed by a trip to his native Bermuda where a book signing was held and a newspaper article written. 

Thomas went on to describe his experiences with the Race Equity Task Force in Salem. He was on the Public Safety Committee which he co-chaired. While Thomas found that the Salem Police Department officers were reflective of the Salem community in terms of racial makeup, he did encounter differences in why people joined the force. For example white officers were likely to have joined because the profession is considered a noble one in their lives, whereas non-white officers were motivated to join SPD to make a difference. Thomas also noted statistical differences in how likely white and non-white people were arrested or stopped while driving. The Committee did come up with a lengthy list of recommendations to improve how SPD operates, and some have already been implemented such as body cameras. 

Thomas wrapped up his speech by reading an excerpt from his book. He described it as "less salty" but it is too salty for the pages of the Spoke. Perhaps we should all buy the book. Once again, the link to do so is below.

As a younger man, Thomas joined Bermuda Tourism which led him to Boston. This was a move that Thomas was unsure of given Boston's history of racism. Thomas has traveled extensively, often with his partner Bill Henning.