Book tells struggles, humor and adventures growing up Polish, Catholic and Bipolar in Buffalo during the mid-20th Century

The Museum of disABILITY History is excited to welcome its latest addition to the Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series: Anthony Antek, author of Bipolar Buffalo – A Mosaic of Minds Journey. The presentation, “The Bipolar Advantage: The Link to Creativity,” will be held on Friday, January 31, 2014, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.

Antek’s presentation will focus on his book, as well as personal stories about living and coping with Bipolar disorder. In 52 stories and 29 works of original art and photos, the book tells the struggles, humor and adventures of a steel-city, second generation working-class youth growing up Polish, Catholic and Bipolar in Buffalo during the mid-20th Century. Antek will address numerous other topics, including positive aspects of the disorder and reflections on the debate of neurobiology vs. social conditions as causal factors. The presentation will also include a Question-and-Answer session.

Author of the non-fictional work of literature, Bipolar Buffalo – A Mosaic of Minds Journey, Antek has degrees from the University at Buffalo (BA), University of Denver (MA) and doctoral studies at Tulane University, Northern Michigan University and SUNY Albany. He has had a versatile career in education in New York, Colorado, Michigan and Vermont as a college teacher of the social sciences, college administrator, school superintendent, elementary principal and as a primary/secondary teacher of math and history.

Antek was born and raised in Lackawanna, NY to a steel-working family of Polish descent. He and his wife Lynn have been married for 43 years. They have three daughters and three grandsons.

The Dialogues on disABILITY event with Anthony Antek is $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, students and human service employees. The event fee includes admission to the gallery space of the Museum of disABILITY History. For more information or to register, call 716-629-3626.

The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.