Words on a piece of paper are meaningless and lifeless unless there is someone to give them life and meaning. Vanessa Hidary’s (also know as the Hebrew Mamita) spoken words are like no ordinary words. Her words are like music to the ears of her listeners. Whether she is making you laugh, cry or recall moments in your life you would rather forget, she reminds us that we are not alone in the journey called, life. Each time I hear her speak I am inspired to keep fighting for love, strive for a better career and a better relationship with myself.
She is a master of words but it’s her raw experiences that bring her words to life with the deeper meaning. It’s her positive approach to life and passion for the collaboration of words that will tug at your emotions. It’s also another reason why she grabs the attention of millions. The power to inject emotion into an audience is a gift. I believe it’s the reason why I was mesmerized the first time I heard her speak.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of breaking bread with Vanessa (Hebrew Mamita) and each time I was in her presence I left feeling alive and fearless. Anyone who can give you the feeling of fearlessness and being alive is someone I believe our readers should know about.
Here is my recent interview with the lovely and talented Vanessa Hidary, the Hebrew Mamita.
What do you think about the state of “culture wars” today? How are things different than they were 10 years ago?
I actually don’t think things are vastly different then they were 10 years ago. I think people get too caught up in the idea that since we have a Black president we are in what has been coined a “Post-Racial America”. I’m not buying it. I think it was a great advancement that I couldn’t imagine 20 years ago, but I feel there is still a ways to go in terms of racial profiling and people really taking the time to understand other cultures.
Can you share a specific obstacle you have experienced and how you overcame it?
Well, it doesn’t have to do directly with my career, but when I was younger I was overweight and when I went to college I lost the weight and have kept it off for over 15 years. It’s been a life long journey to keep myself healthy and in shape, and I really felt after I made that change in my life, I knew I could achieve difficult goals. But I don’t regret my experiences growing up overweight. I think it shaped my perspective on the world that is so much of my art. It gave me compassion, and vulnerability. Then upon losing the weight, I learned confidence, discipline, and determination.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? And how did you put it to use?
It didn’t come from one particular person, but in general I’d say the best advice I carry with me every day is to count my blessings. To practice gratitude. To see the glass half full. (You get the point ☺ ) I think I’ve had the tendency, as many of us do, to sometimes feel sorry for myself and focus on all the things I don’t have. When this happens, a voice inside of me reminds me how incredibly blessed I am with family, a beautiful home, a career I love, and most importantly my health. This usually brings me down to earth.
What is your proudest moment?
A few years ago I was chosen as one of 50 speakers to appear at the “2010 IdeaCity- Canada’s Premiere Meeting of the Minds’” in Toronto. They let me bring a person with me for the weekend and I got to bring my mom with me. I felt so good to show her what I had accomplished with all the investment she had put into me.
How was the recent Def Poetry Jam Reunion in Houston?
So much fun. Most of my gigs, I travel alone, so it was great to hang out and share he stage with artists I admire.
What’s the one poem or story you tell that gets the most reaction and why do you think that is?
Hmmm.. hard to say but I’m going to choose my poem “PHD IN HIM” that I wrote for women investing too much time in a man. (Men can relate too, I just wrote it from my perspective) I think that poem crosses all race, gender, religion, and age lines. So many people can relate to getting wayyyy too caught up in someone!
What is the message you want to give to the world through your artistry?
Try to find the humor in even the darkest of circumstances. Making people laugh is the best feeling in the world.
What upcoming events would you like to share with our readers?
I have a new one woman show I’m work-shopping this December in NYC called “10 Days In The Life”. Please go to my website www.hebrewmamita.com for details.
What does living in your truth mean to you?
I’m not sure I always accomplish this, but I’d say taking risks is the realest thing you can do. Everytime I write a new piece there is a strong sense that it might completely fail and I will disappoint people who believed in me. But…there is something so damn exciting, about doing it anyway.
