Lateena Dinkins spends hours practicing her vocal performances. She stays in studios until 3 a.m. sometimes, writing music.
She works on scales, she trains her voice and her career has been years of hard work in the making.
But a gospel song comes from her heart.
"I don't practice a gospel song at all," said Dinkins, a graduate student in music performance. "It's what happens at the time.
"I feel it in the moment."
Though Dinkins loves to sing R&B and has an appreciation for classical music, she says gospel songs will always be the closest to her.
"I grew up singing in church," she said.
So when she walked on stage at the Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day performance, "Jazz: Spirituals, Prayers and Protest," the moment was spiritual for Dinkins.
Dressed simply and elegantly in cream pants and a black shirt, she walked to the microphone with her head held high.
Her arms hung at her sides and her head dropped as the MSU Jazz Band played behind her; she tapped her foot to the rhythm.
When the sound softened and the music slowed, she lifted her face upward, closed her eyes and her strong voice rang out the words to the song considered to be the black national anthem.
"Lift every voice and sing," she said. "'Til Earth and heaven ring/Ring with the harmonies of liberty."
The words of the James Johnson song, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," are important to Dinkins. But she's also working to create her own spiritual songs.
She works with friends to create gospel music of her own. Late at night, she listens to their music and writes when the feeling hits her. Sometimes it takes hours.
She's also working with other singers to put on a gospel concert in March called "Walking Into My Season" at the River Terrace Church in East Lansing. All the music will be original.
"It's a tedious process," she said.
It's worth it, Dinkins said, to use her talent to honor her God.
"Gospel comes from your heart," she said.
Have ideas for Human Spirit? Contact staff writer Tara May at maytara@msu.edu.
