Today we’d like to introduce you to Chasity Hart.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chasity. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started acting in middle school when I moved to Sunrise, Florida from Natchitoches, Louisiana. I continued focusing on my craft throughout high school. I auditioned for Miami’s own New World School of the Arts college program and was accepted into the acting track. Due to complications from my SLE Lupus which I had been diagnosed with my junior year of high school at 16; I had to quit college for a year. My lupus had attacked my spinal cord causing me to be paralyzed and in a wheelchair. I returned after a year but still struggled with my mobility. The steroids that I had been given for treatment caused me to get early-onset Avascular Necrosis which cause both hip joints to die. I then had to get two bilateral hip replacements which changed my life for the better. I had been taking Percocet daily just to get through school and function with my hip pain. After my hip replacements, I could participate in and pursue everything I dreamed without accommodations.
After five years, I graduated in 2014 with my B.F.A. from New World School of the Arts. I begin working with City Theater, Miami Theater Center, and Various theater companies in the area. I also began performing at local open mics such as The Imperial among others. In 2017, however, my life took a drastic turn my spinal cord was once again inflamed and due to demobilizing spinal spasms I could not work or perform. This caused me to dwindle into a deep depression. After undergoing various daily infusion treatments, I begin to become more mobile. My first show after a year & a half was “The Colored Museum” with the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center. Shortly after, however, I was diagnosed with a sister disease from my lupus called Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) which affects the optic nerve and spinal cord. This caused a brief hospital stay. It appears I have had it for years un-diagnosed which explains my multiple episodes of spinal cord attacks and paralysis, I realized after much self-reflecting and therapy my health had caused me to operate in fear, the constant fluctuation of my weight from steroids caused me to feel inadequate and not good enough to fully pursue my music and acting as much as possible.
At this point in my life, I now realize that weight doesn’t determine worth. In May, I was cast in a two-woman show called “Sisters” with The M Ensemble theater. I almost allowed fear to keep me from auditioning but I did and it was one of the greatest roles of my life. I also received great reviews in the Miami Herald. I don’t do it for recognition but its a great feeling to be recognized for your hard work. I now finally have the courage to release my own music which will debut later this year. I will be previewing my record and performing it locally at different venues! My attitude now is: do it afraid but DO IT! It doesn’t matter what disease you have or how much you weigh, you alone are enough and when you learn to love yourself all other dreams and desires of your heart are possible.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not an easy road at all. Unfortunately, with Lupus & NMO, you can not predict or ever truly prepare for a flare. One day, everything is going right the next your life stops for a year. I’ve been paralyzed twice and had two hip replacements all before the age of 22. Steroids causes massive weight gain and the disease can begin to weigh heavily on your mental health. But through prayer, therapy, and self-love, I have reached a great place in my life.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m an actress and singer. My proudest moments was booking my first SAG role in my classmate’s Josh original show Grown. Also, being a part of City Theaters “Summer Shorts” shows; having to play 4- 5 different characters a night is a great challenge. And as an African American woman playing the character “Cassie” in the play “Sisters” which tackled issues like color-ism and the struggles we face as women when aging was very rewarding. What sets me apart from others is my story. Every day of my life, I physically feel pain, but I have made the choice through the strength God has given me to fight! I use to never like to tell people about my SLE Lupus/NMO
(neuromyelitis optica) because I didn’t want sympathy, but I now realize that me sharing my story and what I’ve overcome may inspire someone else to continue pursuing their dreams even when it’s hard.
What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
I see the acting industry becoming more independent; meaning I see people beginning to create their own work and not waiting to get hired by a company but creating the inclusive work that we want to see. I see the music industry getting back to raw talent and real core R&B not forcing people to fit a specific thing.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 954-647-0086
- Email: hart.chasity@gmail.com
- Instagram: iamchasityhart
- Facebook: Chasity Hart
- Twitter: iamchasityhart
Image Credit:
Sem Pierre
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
