Jamaal Lathan – Author, Songwriter, Photographer "The Man of Many Gifts"

 Jamaal Lathan – Author, Songwriter, Photographer… 

“The man of many gifts”

Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Publisher (@iamcomprened)

There are individuals who look to achieve the greater things in life and will continue to be persistent no matter the obstacles or challenges they may face. The talented, Jamaal Lathan, was born not only to be a winner but he also mastered his craft in every profession as a businessman and an entrepreneur – every area that he dabbles in. One who may knows this outgoing being will witness Lathan claim his victory with every task he takes as a writer, songwriter, poet, photographer, author and much more. Nonetheless, he utilizes his gifts to help others.

As an author, Lathan anticipates releasing his upcoming book titled "My Soul Cries Out: The Struggles of a Black Man." I, Consciousness Magazine, had the opportunity to interview Jamaal Lathan about his upcoming book and much more. Here is what he has to share with the readers.

 

Aaron Robinson: For those who may not know Jamaal Lathan. Can you tell us a little about you?

Jamaal Lathan: I would like to describe myself as a very ambitious person that's very passionate about music, writing and photography which seems so different but they all tie together. I've been a businessman and an entrepreneur for many years. I've been a professional photographer for nine years now.  And being a professional photographer has allowed me to work with some very great people and talented artists. I've been able to work with artists such as Leela James, Leon Timbo, 702, Latavia Roberson (former Destiny's Child Member), Earnest Pugh, Young Lyric and other great artists. Having a strong sense and love for fashion and an eye for beauty has allowed me to really excel in the photography industry. 

 

I'm also very passionate and have huge love for music, writing and helping others. Most may not know this, but my journey in music began at a very young age. I learned to read and play music at the age of 10 years old.  Having a background in music allowed me to be able to understand my gifts as a songwriter and writer. And now I would like to expand more on my writings which I feel will really help others. My poems come from my heart and life experiences, just like the songs I write. Those life experiences make my writings so relatable to my readers.

 

Aaron Robinson: What do you feel or know is your purpose in life, or what you are set out to do in your lifetime?

Jamaal Lathan: I feel that my purpose in life covers a facet of so many things. God has blessed me with so many different talents and gifts that I can't see myself being put into one particular box. What I have learned in this process of life is to ask God to make the assignment clear so I know exactly what it is I'm supposed to be doing in each particular season of life.  That way all my gifts will be used for his greater good. I don't want to be that person that's all over the place. 

 

Aaron Robinson: You have a community organization called Empowering Lives With a Purpose which is geared toward helping the community. What inspired this initiative?

Jamaal Lathan: Empowering Lives With a Purpose was formed several years ago. I'm a certified Christian Counselor and while I was working on my certification to become a Christian 

Counselor, we had to do community involvement as a part of our coursework. That experience opened my eyes to how much help is truly needed in our communities. In the years of me doing this I've become business partners with several schools in my area. I've assisted over hundreds of children and families in need. And I've also been awarded several years for my outstanding service in the community. I've also been backed and supported by the City Council in my area. 

 

Aaron Robinson: Jamaal, you have a forthcoming book titled "My Soul Cries Out: The Struggles of a Black Man". What inspired you to write this miraculous book?

Jamaal Lathan: The inspiration behind this book comes from me not having an outlet to express my thoughts and feelings. As a Black male I feel that we have been taught to suppress whatever we have inside of us. I'm writing this book, not only as a form of therapy for me, but to help other Black men see themselves through these words. I want to be the person to make a change. Let our Black men know that it's okay to feel, it's okay to hurt, it’s okay to even be happy. Life will always be a channel of different things and emotions and this book will let the readers know that it's okay to feel every one of them. 

 

Aaron Robinson: What would you like for your readers to take away or learn, once they read your book?

Jamaal Lathan: I would love for my readers to take the gift that I'm pouring into them, and pour into the next person. I want them to see themselves in these poems. I want them to think and change the dynamics of the way we think and process things. These poems are a form of therapy. 

 

Aaron Robinson: As a poet, your songs are also turned into songs that artists sing and some of the songs you wrote are played on the radio. Do you have a meaning to your writing? If so, can you share it with the readers?

Jamaal Lathan: Yes, all my songs have meanings to them. For example the two that's gotten radio play is, “God Is Able," that I co-wrote with Winston Ward for gospel artist Nikki Ross. It’s about how sometimes we go through things that cause us not only to question God, but almost give up on Him. But God reminds us that He not only has never left our side but it's just a test to prepare us for something else greater. 

 

Another example would be the song "What Is Love" that I co-written with Winston Ward.  The song "What Is Love" talks about how we all view love so differently. And it's not one certain thing that can define love. 

 

Aaron Robinson: Let’s talk about your photography, which is very miraculous! What inspired you to want to be a photographer?

Jamaal Lathan: My love for photography started at a very young age as well.  I could sit for hours and look through old picture albums. It's something about pictures, especially old photos that intrigued me at such a young age. It made me want to tell the same story. And I've been told my photography tells a story. Years from now, I want people to be able to look back at my work and be intrigued on the story that I captivated through the lens of my camera. 

 

Aaron Robinson: What is a slogan or motivational phrase that Jamaal Lathan lives by?

Jamaal Lathan: "Life is a mirror. When you can see yourself clearly, you can change anything."

 

Aaron Robinson: What words of encouragement would you share with individuals who are looking to be successful in their career?

Jamaal Lathan: To be successful in any field you first have to understand and learn your passion.  If you are passionate about it, it still will require hard work and dedication. But it will not seem like work because it's something you love to do. 

 

Aaron Robinson: Where may people go to contact or learn more about you?

Jamaal Lathan: They can go to my website www.jamaaldlathanphotography.com or IG: www.instagram.com/UntouchableGent 

Aaron Robinson: Would you like to add anything else before we conclude the interview?

Jamaal Lathan: I would like the readers to know that it's never too late to live your dreams. If God gave you the vision, He will make the path clear for you to reach your goals and dreams. 

 

Credits:

Photography: Roy Harvey

Retouched Images: Oliana Ethan

Art Direction: Jamaal D. Lathan