Music has united students across campus for generations. For members of the MSU Gospel Choir, gospel music is an integral part of their history and everyday lives.
Advertising senior Jalen Bell, MSU Gospel Choir director, said gospel music has greatly influenced history, particularly regarding the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr.
“Martin Luther King Jr. was a spiritual man, and he went to church and supported the church,” he said. “So I would consider (gospel music) a huge part (of that). Slaves sang spiritual songs, so I think it has had a lasting effect on black history as a culture.”
Apparel and textile design senior Kalieha Stapleton, MSU Gospel Choir publicity chair, said she agreed with Bell’s sentiments.
She said gospel music’s general message of overcoming obstacles played a huge role in King’s sermons and the entire civil rights movement as a whole.
Biomedical laboratory sciences sophomore Raven Pompey, MSU Gospel Choir business manager, said gospel music has influenced today’s singers, in addition to history.
“Honestly I couldn’t even imagine history without gospel music. A lot of the great artists in the world today started singing in the church,” she said.
Gospel music has touched their lives on a personal level as well.
Stapleton said she’s made a lot of friends within the gospel music community, from practices to performances, and it has made her the person she is today.
“It means a deeper connection and understanding to who I am and what my life’s about. ... It’s a great thing to have in your life,” she said.
Stapleton said she believes the gospel music community at MSU is a strong one.
Even though there are many different organizations, she said they’re all connected and spreading the same message.
“I would say there aren’t a lot of organizations that are a part of gospel music, but for those of us that are, we’re very prominent in what we do,” Pompey said.
Mechanical engineering senior Alexander Hoover, MSU Gospel Choir band director and president, said gospel music means a multitude of different things to him.
For Hoover It can be motivational, fun or peaceful. It all depends on the mood he’s in.
“(Generally) it solidifies my faith and keeps me going,” Hoover explained. “To me, personally, I think it means a symbol of expression to God,” he said.
