Professor Mildred Antenor’s memoir, *The Gladioli Are Invisible*, sheds light on the often-overlooked immigrant experience. Born in Brooklyn to Haitian immigrant parents, Antenor navigates the complexities of identity and resilience. Her book reflects her upbringing in a predominantly immigrant community in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
In her memoir, Antenor addresses the struggles faced by immigrants, including discrimination, poverty, and mental health challenges. She emphasizes the importance of sharing these stories, recalling how people often reacted with confusion when she discussed her experiences in the Haitian community. “When I talked to people about my experiences… there was this ‘deer in the headlights’ reaction,” she said. “As a Black woman, when someone tells you their truth, you don’t negate them.”
Antenor dedicates her memoir to those who remain unheard, particularly women she refers to as “gladioli.” These women, including her mother, faced significant hardships such as domestic violence and substance abuse. Some overcame these obstacles, while others did not.
The inspiration for her book came from a conversation with a close friend who encouraged her to compile her stories. This led to a nine-year writing journey that often took place late at night after her work as a professor at Seton Hall University and a radio host at WBGO. “I’m pretty much a night owl… I never thought that the immigration issue would become such a prominent news topic,” she noted.
Antenor’s passion for storytelling began at a young age. By eight years old, she was already writing stories in class, encouraged by her third-grade teacher. This early love for writing evolved into a lifelong commitment to sharing knowledge and experiences.
Her memoir also highlights the critical role educators play in shaping young lives. As a first-generation college student, Antenor credits several teachers in New York City for their positive influence on her education. In return, she gives back by teaching free summer SAT prep courses for high school students and offering Business Writing classes at Seton Hall.
In addition to her teaching, Antenor has hosted “The WBGO Journal” on WBGO 88.3 FM for over 16 years. Through this platform, she addresses issues related to race, equality, and the immigrant experience.
Readers have praised *The Gladioli Are Invisible* for its honest depiction of immigrant life in America. One Amazon reviewer noted Antenor’s ability to connect readers with the characters’ struggles and triumphs.
Throughout her work, Professor Antenor emphasizes the importance of sharing these stories for understanding and empathy. “It’s important for people to hear these stories,” she said. “It’s a way to understand, to empathize and to ultimately change.”
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